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2731457	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:14 AM	1740993484	1747041254		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482084717_10077658698917712_2159773103984605364_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Nx5kEuBqHGUQ7kNvgETrcH0&_nc_oc=AdgasSZpNx0GqmjNVcDEVJ1QOmXfcnXNCcxvXb2mexHeQZIlYMaQ-4y3vSdPXKrDBSK4DEtGJrpE5TtVxqYr7nkA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYCr4dYMb0tntRceX8Q2z8ZbXL6WPZTJkoNoVn4MOT7Icg&oe=67CB2714	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732038	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 1:52 AM	1740993497	1746255140		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	The Unwanted Wife's Unexpected Comeback		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9044CA52E5E7C9CE71D1F8D082857808610			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482243879_1806909070045726_8396614149112192679_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8p1t9ZzCt3AQ7kNvgHzBJJm&_nc_oc=AdjC8cdM8JCe8bzSSeaWSw75ZBzGl7DXOJAQkoLrLF1bkpB3yvlrVJH-oK7TH_MMoGFFJMWe-N3FhbRvnwKmBHyX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYCbjSRxSsl7IBsUIyujucfZDgslQc_MGNCSwuWtOzA0Gg&oe=67CB4538	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731377	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:27 AM	1740993482	1746257266		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480258382_1149447876114766_6843198903245996557_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fVOYYSCqMWMQ7kNvgEXNz3P&_nc_oc=Adj7SY_ueH_GLEp-awQkS_AhiNy-S4q0WfA2Aez8zU4BsgHCrLgZuPS0hIfAWkW3ddIlPL6XE8wN3uImCGXPQi3t&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCp0XTZdVncwgNjGOqXZEbBn22PL71mNoPMqCqJ-uWS3A&oe=67CB3A25	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731394	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 11:01 AM	1740993483	1749139262		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480204251_978974210336919_5965277347388355757_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QmH1UggPRBkQ7kNvgHKvO4U&_nc_oc=Adi2SUfxD63R6GHQp-VuCeBbq_T5BaOxWXOiQnW47y5HR1OhRBn0uHhEawZqcFP7IpnOCR0xOT19fevhz4eRRw8S&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYAbfPjpOWesrhsNtIWmnjaGCzuKSYhZNCYeX0gscVju1Q&oe=67CB538F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731538	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 4:01 AM	1740993486	1746262912		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👀 Watch more exciting content now !👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45069&language=en&timestamp=1736251161852&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3438676643337E+14	Super Short Film	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480566883_1319291709283959_7032900517554341128_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C8DQrqmyt24Q7kNvgFljbTa&_nc_oc=AdhLq_SgDsheFRR1Xg0Ha5CHiypZ2o5wIQmtTruLoeKSoYRNftkZR_tAbw1zvMv3pMjsO6DXF9_QLPvXbv7Jm6UD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYBww7BafGSpajT_3iH09kBnF9uHYqCuwfdaXAOCgZYsjg&oe=67CB41DC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🥰Hot! So Hot!🥰🔥 🎬This is the exclusive content of "SHORTMAX", exciting video, please follow us!🥰 💥💥Sia returns with her son five years after divorcing Alpha Reagononly to find that--Reagon never divorced her and he hates her!Reagon makes Sia work as a stripper, believing that she betrayeed him five years ago. Reagon may be able to force himself to punish her, he cannot force himself to stop loving her. If only Reagon knew that Sia loves him, and that her son is actually his...💥🎬 🥰If you want to watch more, please download our app to continue watching!🎬🔥		Super Short Film		10076	https://www.facebook.com/61552367165488/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731466	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 11:06 AM	1740993484	1749139565		2747																										teamotionstea.com	Learn More			DCO	Restore Emotional Balance With These Teas 💕	{{product.description}}	http://teamotionstea.com/			98343106690	Teamotions	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481223818_527140257080926_4908496502513619487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=esMKmuHoiQMQ7kNvgH7nVxO&_nc_oc=AdgrbCInaLWHc3-J4Rrkp8xLhWrCMagtYA-qVGHcWuZaNLBIZeRwMR14wSTX1zmyzjAoFuENRDK26xzucb1myGCx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBMjoCB5jF0plZ6XyfpYTtuGw-sGu4x38XQK_17DWRvHw&oe=67CB554A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Ready to meet a tea that does more? At Teamotions, we believe every sip should support your wellness journey. Our teas aren't ordinary. With unique blends containing superfoods and adaptogens, Teamotions offers more than a delicious and comforting sip. Our brews, enhanced with powerful ancient herbs, provide a therapeutic, positive and lifting effect in every cup. Each Teamotions tea is a carefully crafted blend, designed to promote emotional health and help support you with any feeling you may be having. ⚕ Mood Enhancement ⚕ Improve Mental Focus ⚕ Stress Relief ⚕ Promote Relaxation ⚕ And Much More! Witness the power of our purposeful blends. Experience the decrease in stress, the return of mental clarity, and the harmony to your bodily systems. Step into the world of Teamotions. Learn More by clicking below 👇 https://teamotionstea.com/		Teamotions		11935	https://www.facebook.com/Teamotions/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731533	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 7:22 AM	1740993486	1746274974		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481767437_1141911824141407_1624727125879345863_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z6HZy7nPc8wQ7kNvgE1iyOD&_nc_oc=AdiRmTlcmfB1RwumCgKfwOdPjAs6Y6fiwjf90z--Y1d9qEuXZSxaAVtrJgWZu0T5_xshe9TyIX-nawvndx1ICFvQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYAxTJk58y0hwFAKKM5kfjHJGy40PDuOP9-I_6MzAwiicA&oe=67CB51F5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732092	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 6:21 AM	1740993498	1747048891		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn More			DCO	A simple vitamin...	{{product.description}}	https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481803666_1160666018920542_3450911243861037114_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H9BP1bOGZJQQ7kNvgHj7ByO&_nc_oc=Adgpl0e5obOLk_cns-42ur4BIwYN4uznZrFhAn7JAqSJO-rcugkswXbmFsRDzO2YiO9rM-Nv6pfL7pY9MiXWyQRG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYB-uta7lNzSQDt4qr6WhJGnytGUw80lTxIQk1cIoCE9JA&oe=67CB33FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731484	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 3:33 PM	1740993485	1749155588		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481231892_1135101258101092_76642093385628514_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mbxnCtqGjssQ7kNvgHJlP51&_nc_oc=AdiYT6kZqNLta4P61KJkzpm-RpZ3FFoiWuLstK_ng2-2zCQabyFiy88yCsjVyNaw-fQ70PrrlJ0tAJhHHo0bUtUz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBfjFAsUYEHd9X9KPpU-cFZzp3Lard0NJ1SA0Es_1ScZw&oe=67CB5D1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731427	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 10:24 AM	1740993484	1746285897		2747																										blog.vital-update.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		https://blog.vital-update.com/apirelief-us/adv			1.0954799162080E+14	Muebleria del Real	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481268233_947421640848469_2039253999642927438_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jy0kDvnT7nsQ7kNvgEfv_UO&_nc_oc=Adh6ftbOzMyMEk0FgmGabqTAqBpUHc6PYnOAnfjcTshD_UPb7BikRFgNtuhNsdLMZFAEGCG_fel5zVHSM-Ri1gjl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYAzVsRmF5W3WBhRHM5KNLLM5dDxT4KgpOdeMZcslIf15w&oe=67CB3AD1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		Muebleria del Real		27	https://www.facebook.com/100077451611178/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731957	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 3:44 PM	1740993495	1749156274		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482026641_3941381266137064_6344299367573760554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y5Cg5CrmYo0Q7kNvgEKJT0s&_nc_oc=Adj7XFvYvJQ5q_KygM_OKME-CaaVt-ysEzuqBjrryo8N8HNWnHWYD6_-MS0CpE0krYh418_lwWNfeJx6QX7SLMUG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYA6xsKsNo8AywThqlDEyMdTHDIjbF_ypcAORgr4vcI8Lg&oe=67CB29F3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732105	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 11:07 PM	1740993498	1749096467		2747																										website.metronovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	😎Click here to Read on More Spicy Chapters👉		https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle_new/lv2jyrpkmxi3aioozhlfmsnj?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			3.5900779063621E+14	Love stories and books	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481775534_1526022291398975_5724085237165967554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oJvak2QVzUIQ7kNvgFNEpby&_nc_oc=AdjGZmMh1G892wuCwJU6FFUTY-5q0d7s6uYcVDR80-62LossSiaEe-XxN0nDBg6xDMyOLaQzaPZvhbwKswq0SZyS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYDibGxDNke4YLNoPUlO7ofyWKvMyHSJI8krJ8-j3ArOKw&oe=67CB483F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."		Love stories and books		70	https://www.facebook.com/61563510724242/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731720	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 5:24 PM	1740993490	1749162297		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481517458_1362152258261582_8262156834911614285_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b-tAjAKw13kQ7kNvgE-iB-Q&_nc_oc=AdgZXu-DnbVQcvgnFMbf5T_OguNPZJeLpiQQIVU59FDwkDF3_9ffVR4bBcdAI5f8NUmx--dJeZj4JYtexEEUyE44&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYAInutgKqX8MVuYkZ2-kNvTb-YU5DyAYW_Epi7KI4Oozw&oe=67CB3FEB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731890	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 5:25 PM	1740993493	1749162330		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482064988_545617537910851_4905172865009877531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uc_ctE9KMmUQ7kNvgF3jJU_&_nc_oc=AdiXyTvhuXEbApQmhKyhLRm-_A5iX2tVWB7U6Jc1_Qq6X0GQP5yqEOd2c0d3KR9xGsBhRo34RFcxm_yTfPQYKwQR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYABe9RL084cvXzWQtz13tsvgSsLd5md9EyjinFXwa-ZbA&oe=67CB4A46	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731904	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 8:32 AM	1740993494	1747056735		2747																										clfblmvx.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉💖ONLY on GoodShort TV!		https://clfblmvx.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18303&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.3737794946036E+14	Ai Wenwen	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481771001_949479173980849_4768629435331023423_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ugkA4EkdtgYQ7kNvgFEhsvv&_nc_oc=Adiqr-ExaoSxPpuZMSzszG_EjllSUhAh4Fut38T2-crM1Gh191EMiiqOI923QvIEuwAbCm1zP1rZ6yRuV2OKZJXY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYATuqk5RrTPH3a72ne487RuW3zjUFOmIJNRl-7sYuWhpA&oe=67CB558C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🎄😱The once-comatose man, dismissed as weak and insignificant, seemingly a mere pushover, launched a stunning counterattack. He was revealed to be the benefactor of the ECBA Chairman and the Governor, as well as the CEO of the WIN Consortium… #goodshort		Ai Wenwen		24660	https://www.facebook.com/61556762124607/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731548	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 6:09 PM	1740993486	1749164956		2747																										dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥Click to FREE watch more episode👉👉🎬	Signed, Sealed, Secretly Married	https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057857.html?language=en&timestamp=1740557305295&channelCode=DLLPF1057857&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480909153_624411120521068_1719060751321079063_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k0QlG-Hm67IQ7kNvgFCBlpl&_nc_oc=Adg_Y0-pkPlAmZc6gTuSomZ0aucwX1IoFdcBg2_9WRVndwJLkiORbybn_S1l-PCSpyousJ71DoTnf7Ufu-bLkofE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYD69evFQvp_57nvhdH1XDkXvGqc3BIzBpktbIzhqaFkrg&oe=67CB4152	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336035	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732203	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 6:13 PM	1740993500	1749165236		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480872270_9192900260765892_3185628512061318013_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S5natI4NJJAQ7kNvgElNj9J&_nc_oc=AdjI-SxAwBd54Q-ocU6355jb46TASfrypcN_Sph33CF8LS6s4JRjQoMfQXzSliNjPBy2ph_jF3rtKOnO-eZ8doac&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYB28_b7SG3ZkQKzmFhUhKEln4MizOKjT__32r6Am7ZeoA&oe=67CB410A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731802	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:42 AM	1740993492	1747039334		2747																										greatnerves.club	Learn more			VIDEO	No more Neuropathic foot pain...		https://lp.greatnerves.club/67b8a8d05d0a44eda9be0a30?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.5740493745756E+14	Debbie Taylor	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481229026_992455895568408_2999657388949892220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lN3qPrbagEMQ7kNvgEItwDN&_nc_oc=AdgZo4rdOK92TqXTa0SCay-lcNsCGansk180J9pQB-88TFjH3AfLBckFezWDw_qZ6bqVDtkQnqeauUNOngHR8YIh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYAnWi4Jp6W2CsuE3X1mTax-fWiknT7tF3JhdrG6r3m8UA&oe=67CB2E48	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Here’s why I threw my neuropathy meds in the trash… After years of constant numbness, burning pains and pins and needles in my feet and my hands… My Doctor prescribed me pretty much every med out there and all they did was make me tired and drowsy! I was so fed up… Fed up of the tingling pain… Fed up of the expensive meds… Fed up of constantly feeling down! And that’s when my husband stumbled across a video he saw in his feed which revealed the root cause of nerve pain… And how the meds I was taking can actually make the burning and tingling worse… not to mention the terrible side effects?! I sat in shock as I watched the short video taking it all in… and then to my sheer delight, the video revealed a 15 second method which erased burning and tingling in just a few days… without any need for meds! So, I wasted no time in trying this 15-second method… Me and my husband went down to the local store and grabbed what we needed… Literally minutes after doing this method, I instantly noticed a difference… it was so weird… and for the first time in years, I managed to get a good nights sleep without waking up in pain! I carried on using the method for the next 7 days, and sure enough the burning and tingling reduced more and more until day 8 when I had no burning or tingling whatsoever… the first full day of no pain in as long as I can remember! And now 3 months on, I haven’t experienced any pains at all and I now tell everyone I know who suffers from the same about this 15-second method… in fact I’ve linked to the very same video I watched a few months back below… Tap now and prepare to be amazed!		Debbie Taylor		241	https://www.facebook.com/61553076994345/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732231	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:22 PM	1740993501	1746300137		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481681573_625706956931572_2281669773016252559_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=brPp9othwf8Q7kNvgHP5rA4&_nc_oc=AdgFEK5hn6kUnHA3WxdO5XbJe9Esw4R_V6HGejuKZ-fsdHXqOT4V5lRHDlwTa0906ZhQmC9P04q5Ao-qCTKZmgkE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCkdb-hOewyWh-sAVVLLb7PZ251gP1qndfsrAB2EkLBgg&oe=67CB417E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731771	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:23 PM	1740993491	1746300193		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481252168_4004810476463215_363759938249693968_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u_h5xK8xKMEQ7kNvgFHNlgR&_nc_oc=AdgcII3EBur2NqPSRYU9Ep1Yi9YE0aXTghwace84zoSnGatz7vYLRiljPq5OuBiPB-AeOqbmdxm96dFjZ48-H6J6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYB0fE6nXnASdytONkMr_EchmUewsGbXXlgL1Q7XNz1uww&oe=67CB5ADF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731888	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 10:59 AM	1740993493	1747065576		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481195893_696891599360686_6489504594434375992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4rFif5toj1oQ7kNvgGn6tD3&_nc_oc=Adjx-uB7N6OyBJLO90FvciesJ_PZFC0b3pN8hroyr4bnNG0GM6sx4VI_jPHZZtOql-fwtJ8vxXxKsZvfhFRUldI4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYAFzHTBW38xcxZ5J-KWrl92xKFz100W3H01cQSdylZRTg&oe=67CB5B0C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731461	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 11:24 AM	1740993484	1747067047		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481770508_1182868793421294_1539787035329785959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DubRjO9vcxQQ7kNvgFRiKY_&_nc_oc=AdhC8xP4EC8kj7Oht-wWHobao7F1pYjSxL3IZjOmStHr7tya52gYUlxcWn6e6wvczRoe2_erfifGo_msUCwVtrIT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYD017gcaHxxAW3llXMA2cOTfjSWMJM52K44Py7mSCKvuQ&oe=67CB5A97	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732186	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:52 PM	1740993500	1746301936		2747																										arcanaut.watch	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	SOLD - ARC II — Fordite Groovy "Zesty Zephyr"	SOLD	https://arcanaut.watch/collections/fordite			1.7927075584786E+14	Arcanaut	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265290_1644436043617694_6429239650132971518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7vUvyVGdRQEQ7kNvgGv4i-Q&_nc_oc=AdjGqustKHmRJ2kzbT7aFf73wINqha4lVSofhCgreFSKRe8VF__p-PfVigTlgi3t633EJXitZ5iItNySMSkX6K1e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYBosmsXxqUrz-SU7dug9Hy0dTqQQe3XGMxzlh3AsDsfBA&oe=67CB5DED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		SOLD		Arcanaut		1361	https://www.facebook.com/Arcanaut/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731674	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:33 PM	1740993489	1747071191		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482004680_977951921070101_4569985888866134454_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GIMTqWXkJzQQ7kNvgGphnix&_nc_oc=Adj9f5iicaYSbV5-ncxUCtRs8fvDTtmFCDxCVjPrmC7R50ntQTxoDAbDO-K_VOzwdx1Rsr4vcM1ApF1E-fO75AYn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYDdk4R0glq3OMxJC_unKz_TOhEPXfszJapo9kJTS2FcHA&oe=67CB419B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731686	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:35 PM	1740993489	1747071350		2747																									KUEEZ ENTERTAINMENT LTD and others	www.theecofeed.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Ischiasnervenschmerzen lindern 💪🏼		https://www.theecofeed.com/de/effective-ways-get-rid-sciatica-nerve?utm_content=Ischiasnervenschmerzen+lindern&utm_source=fb6&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=create&ly=gsearch&mbid={{ad.id}}&ch=ksca-stepaaoq			3.5231752797079E+14	Savvy Shopper Central	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481671301_3509807895992039_4652483839491282480_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jSvHLExJK7oQ7kNvgHT_VSr&_nc_oc=AdiO5-jPo8OnJfSMrMZeS_iMgYuOWXGY8WZrzuXV-6CefvwhPhGjcGeCPYsnA1Ua4s8LWvo6liRUPgrU08X7qdUn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYCCoL62WStknE1nyMCkPCAcEAglSGzLFe3pqz28t8ulaw&oe=67CB3799	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Entdecke Behandlungsmöglichkeiten, die Beschwerden lindern und die Heilung fördern können! Klicke, um mehr zu erfahren! ➡️		Savvy Shopper Central		19790	https://www.facebook.com/61562420456655/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732121	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:35 PM	1740993499	1747071355		2747																											Send message			IMAGE						5.0536971933009E+14	Odette’s Bakery & Wellness Shoppe	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074005_9401365149991168_2034248221428421090_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gF6DaXp8YjcQ7kNvgEqiPnU&_nc_oc=Adgt2kLMapRlSzq-YjzJrFOnx8GinZSLLMdhjszfpn_9Igkf7jmHBxtZ-oB8nTqFOOwIOTCgWMTkBY07ol5vdg7I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANn06szBNeCMu535LGYo4Md&oh=00_AYBFcD1mH1egyKuCschdHbTyStHfrJsvGeI8wNOe5mCmmQ&oe=67CB430B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		So excited to be carrying these 2 new items! 🥳 — Sea Moss is packed with 92 essential minerals, boosts energy, supports gut health, enhances skin radiance, and strengthens immunity—nature’s ultimate superfood for vitality! — Lion’s Mane enhances memory, sharpens focus, supports nerve health, and boosts mental clarity—fuel your brain with nature’s smartest superfood!		Odette’s Bakery & Wellness Shoppe		1158	https://www.facebook.com/OdettesBakerySC/	0		MESSAGE_PAGE								View Edit Delete
2731400	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 11:17 PM	1740993483	1749097032		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481293604_1685996158959106_7861075175640768199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=whMBUcN004gQ7kNvgGsr6Fl&_nc_oc=Adjm5mIn5OhHYbhwLS1NVNa45-gGxjKW-esnsIiV5p5N6hREHWC1QMEDSwR-MwOWMiqrjl3DO4a122DC0vsSm2bz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCWY4UhvxSfmJvUkTB2G33yWwbSgK8ri2DFkhBBXVj6-w&oe=67CB3ED2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732159	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 2:46 PM	1740993499	1749239184		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	A Fake Marriage, A Fated Love Story!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			2.9632828023461E+14	EAshort	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480809544_600467869627685_572923396655352104_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nQKWY_qvIWMQ7kNvgE0O_nL&_nc_oc=AdjjAAWusPTH6JjCSZhouRSyF7JJuvms-6ei06v6p56lYEocGHp5Syf4vRNlr6UwuAO078ywXQh0KvqIbjEC9Y4S&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYDK3sJoWJS0OCeJ5uhR2wP5OFvGPaTJgeeNcmJuUD0Eig&oe=67CB44E5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		From a fake marriage to real love, Natalie and Jasper’s story is full of twists. 💍💖		EAshort		49	https://www.facebook.com/61559145613353/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731912	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:00 PM	1740993494	1746298812		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481905521_1756003504945575_6101864440052489571_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V5UWXO_Bof4Q7kNvgGBggNY&_nc_oc=Adi58WdoTXTN7P0-z5_h76OXLVSlv85H8E6HF3J6b2JuPanCW6QBe-cON7wqyFALtS8Hn7S45gLxJhHNIiZ4d3Gj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYANLPTbEhcOlhVxsQCmdgKpxoA6G4rkCeld35gweTPn7Q&oe=67CB4334	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732334	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 1:24 PM	1740993503	1747074246		2747																										www.yumread.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481055563_555277217675543_1647894587067788170_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wJCM3c_zTcAQ7kNvgErCI30&_nc_oc=AdiuqXiqVY4EcYN8N3SmlMp5h383NcT3OIx1yp6FZGw-x4kWA4NXr3lYQV3XlS4wKo3thAvDqtA7P_GX8gzc3Xot&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYAZMkVNt-7tm60_BFo-OOrqHCcvJmRsKpIUBgYvqDjS4w&oe=67CB295E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732247	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 3:11 PM	1740993501	1746303120		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480998043_9263272553728364_7791886484137450319_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s6KemYqR1uAQ7kNvgG6T_Ag&_nc_oc=AdjeV3ZjCq_Z5mEPc0x0o1KYg4APKrSxNOSDPfcklNYubDIiWHVd7TiXr76jFLOqehAFw83sjDztht6MKP6KMIDA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCO8OnIb9EbXp3T-FkGeVEWDjeLFUPh7lhklkhOjLMDFQ&oe=67CB431F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732000	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:09 PM	1740993496	1746299362		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982D8442B1F1F4F5F411FEBDB90D3C79070			3.8425781810914E+14	Sabrina	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481446936_1143294524207073_9174731367559342581_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wS74hqL6OS8Q7kNvgHSb8xd&_nc_oc=AdhrCOo3XLDIj6XfRcTYZjm1pt7wd938X62qZIhoZvt0AUuhL_jVXRCD8fq-z8OGP-g_BUZb8im-e539V2uROyQv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYAKmioxHRL0AIuYkgW4S5uLsQEimk4LUHs0UtGSbXSFVw&oe=67CB53AF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Sabrina		42	https://www.facebook.com/61564585926226/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732333	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 7:48 PM	1740993503	1749170913		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480886881_9271770542916115_6403593964041772086_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=30p9z1r9_RMQ7kNvgEp8BTX&_nc_oc=Adjaj3iyqrPI2abNDFt7cIc-mDkwWXCidM4Pl104XZci_3bAa5fdw7zHQuiAuQ3fSpe1CkcNAHvUV_UjFN7FSOAI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYAezNoyQz1d8npEq6i2JoLNSFUM46jFB0xHqtBS4QKvyA&oe=67CB35F8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732125	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 7:48 PM	1740993499	1749170919		2747																										discovery.site	Learn more			VIDEO	Breakthrough alert: Lemon peel for tingling!	92% have no idea!…	https://journale.site/preneuro/			5.5020497818151E+14	Caroline Reed	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481249900_1304682900840424_2092038804806577761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mpVpkbVqv2AQ7kNvgFYecva&_nc_oc=AdhlDbCoCn0X42V3jAfcfHYeG8_4UTJivfJqmrujs_sPUbCzqMcMGUAgwvF1QQmkLBhjJnCh4rwSc_lmoXIU4qev&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANn06szBNeCMu535LGYo4Md&oh=00_AYAL942VhFqWfr8PqV9_hlpOg9LY0kcGKzwFLJ2ZrEEC_g&oe=67CB3AEB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱😱 Ever wondered what's causing that relentless tingling in your hands and feet? And the worst part: how to finally ease that sharp, nagging discomfort? 🚨 The answer is simpler and more natural than you think! A groundbreaking trick is changing everything... And the best part: no expensive medications or invasive treatments required! 🍋✨ Discover the secret of the "Lemon Peel Trick" – the powerful trick that could transform your quality of life and give you the relief you’ve been searching for! ⚡ You won’t believe what happens when you try this simple technique. 👉 Click now to uncover this secret! Don’t waste any more time! Relief might be just one step away... Today!		Caroline Reed		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573801580912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732162	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:14 PM	1740993499	1746299658		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	A Fake Marriage, A Fated Love Story!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			3.1876550131739E+14	Eashort Playhouse	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482000372_608089132033460_6765591403808226967_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tW9EyZ6fuZsQ7kNvgEL0DVM&_nc_oc=AdhKm64QLzbrjqMljnNYFQP7Kqy6Ko8Tl_r8O7RUdl2Rpd8_ax4DTMDTkSy7zMtsPAmTLpBBEqsqwnNn-yqMksiL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYCvdiRGOnO61piQW9xf_sXT_dsRRoBIVilLpRQEc_IwRw&oe=67CB4AC0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		From a fake marriage to real love, Natalie and Jasper’s story is full of twists. 💍💖		Eashort Playhouse		54	https://www.facebook.com/61559314566209/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731997	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 9:14 AM	1740993496	1747059261		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F98034432C630061800D5BE26B4B506CB7F1E			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481057247_1696544097923858_4770541374753130686_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5q7ULRTeyUsQ7kNvgEo3_is&_nc_oc=AdihZ5sVpbjfJpYjJaTEG2s4VF2BWJDt_3EMkJwcC4euiV2KG81bCJ0eHVR4rAcaN_gSaPe0_l75z64oz_uI2m9u&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYBf1C54r7yhWoGXNhZlXKz11BzQzs9pop3Qs7ApNMS2lg&oe=67CB3033	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732086	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:15 PM	1740993498	1746299718		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn More			DCO	Tap “Learn more”	A simple vitamin...	https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481258905_1351004925914564_6730399146628986347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8dXCO9GpGLEQ7kNvgFhPszc&_nc_oc=AdjJL-FuFVodxpJ9G3FbtA8N6eazq9GiElqRYcRW3Ak0klx__-Wl6TWLRdS4-BnFySUxoDUEArZHZ9JrurLL1-II&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYC7JFz6AK6rjUG8BMpokdp6atmCc5acaYUIfkf0tXEQPg&oe=67CB4A21	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		First, it was just tingling in my feet… 👉 then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731792	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 9:35 AM	1740993491	1747060502		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481482227_1265844995104361_1335965607856774226_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vJXDL9ccIy4Q7kNvgHHokHu&_nc_oc=Adi1QyZRf8CWkegX0PsHKZQ4AGyHFY9W1chzKPzdoNGH2rDZpTz0UnFhJ1lEn7l8U9CI2bN3piZCR0aMLka9SzXV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYAlm2tVctADGt_Gnq51wQLAyDgyE6HsS_mYKP-arV2jMA&oe=67CB5852	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731797	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 9:36 AM	1740993492	1747060587		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481281259_587475967626802_3798279275566993466_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8FcUrKLQLCgQ7kNvgFJLP3C&_nc_oc=AdiZpmB-PabBfme5LrRzbby4bjh4fpfFOpsE-XJfEQPNyRJemVfW0N74zOUGwxpL_E86qGuMougGIdwZkRVu8MgZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYBf4d_aQABkzb6aUhzyKaeU1lwcswqd7T2DZE5cuR3OcA&oe=67CB2AE9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732009	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 3:26 PM	1740993496	1746303988		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982541682127C9D7D9D524E2BE553BF1B34			1.0260223910568E+14	Moboreader-Ahh	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480937460_678684058003764_657674084726898091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h8YneykTzqYQ7kNvgEPdj18&_nc_oc=AdhT18eutkTwNwsZPp-3Q97oZUmbA7fZJt1xIZEjHspWH423D9_n9o2AWvO0W4yZwHh0jSJnyVGxgjCMVSPJsqdx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYDCRhsnbrtDPEXLK-GEMugqC_gshPf261MH7_8h7DTeOg&oe=67CB3955	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Moboreader-Ahh		2003	https://www.facebook.com/100083399166114/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731996	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:44 PM	1740993496	1747086262		2747																										www.onecompress.com	Learn more			VIDEO	combat foot neuropathy pain while sleeping - NEW product available now	100% natural | free shipping | 60-day money back guarantee	https://www.onecompress.com/products/bamboofootsleeves			1.0070842496458E+14	One Compress	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481770726_1750791505702318_4321103148878050191_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=abwtN4fFbn8Q7kNvgHSCMoU&_nc_oc=Adip4-JgVl78_1eNgl9XQuesJfuf3vNAlDFDqv4L8TPO3mADgkTqdGVZwYU4OSU9GM_rA9OYROftKQzSro60RlE9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYBV_ikTc1bFxJB78qEBXl4iu4JKIJwq2e7eL79w5ovd1Q&oe=67CB2BA1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Combat foot neuropathy pain without medication" ✅100% natural ✅Effortless ✅Fast-acting NEW Bamboo Anti-Fatigue Socks that combat foot pains, neuropathy, swelling, diabetic foot and more while sleeping... 1. Superbly Soft - Luxuriously soft and only gets softer everytime you wash it. 2. Thermoregulating - Warms you when it's cold and cools you when it's hot. 3. Native Freshness - Wicks moisture and prevents bad odor 4X better than cotton. 4. Naturally Anti-Bacterial - Natural micro-gaps make it extremely breathable, bacteria-free and hypoallergenic. 5. Eco-Friendly - Water consumption is 66% less than cotton and produces 10X more output per acre. "Learn More" for Exclusive Coupon Code: 👉 onecompress.com/bamboofoot		One Compress		7929	https://www.facebook.com/100066420470751/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732144	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 3:30 PM	1740993499	1746304249		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			VIDEO			http://instagram.com/iam.darrylmac			4.9261275421172E+14	Darryl Mac	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481477381_618420390970513_1039786755282728784_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WvILxTeYj0EQ7kNvgHuZrQU&_nc_oc=AdgEwX8L7CT3H3xhCyBhp0nzQreBh69l8bd7h3LzJ-CHwJQX3zLt1BRL0w5WcK-oR1tGpZnBYhf7K6uu8stjdNZy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYDkx_zBWGH682daozeXPP4DltPhiWvWvyakpzPYzRju7w&oe=67CB567C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hard Fought Hallelujah (Bad Breath Remix)😂😂😌😷 | Tag @brandonlake @jellyroll615 in the comments This post is sponsored by Colgate Toothpaste 🪥Thanks @mitchmadness for the cowboy hat 🤠 #christiancomedy		Darryl Mac		42850	https://www.facebook.com/BigHeadDarryl/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732117	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 10:03 PM	1740993498	1749179013		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732245	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 3:46 PM	1740993501	1746305182		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481100793_949451753967848_3902275767006175537_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u2TIQOekAZwQ7kNvgEVrArK&_nc_oc=AdjiuH7TqKeBa1eL6cAmrbdNwuyoGFcSdJ8XM39uQGXPkotvvlcZKLB5YXVrnbu217_85WaKhDtld0Z7v6gE4WBG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYAsV3l--r56mCCilp_jQrvU8b5TFC8JRbu09D2uAHocKg&oe=67CB50FD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732012	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 10:11 PM	1740993496	1749179462		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F980356AA336734C38653F49335C56E55BE1A			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480877824_1361021394899258_8544893165245264016_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jTS1fidtKPgQ7kNvgFoBPN9&_nc_oc=AdhVl7fYhW9j869TDyU50U2bh2wdAtypAK6DhU4jjXCLYnEv03iQCUaK0DpEodIURIk8aLHXrsZ17tpVxz5dya51&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYCnd5eIuiboKh5JQScyTliX7ABzQq8yAxuTi-rQcDKd-Q&oe=67CB52A1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732238	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 6:08 PM	1740993501	1747091333		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480982495_1617385542214649_2538338747008143502_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oVUYD4-PAkgQ7kNvgF_cPjY&_nc_oc=AdgMtO4mUfCiA-xrTDFPZ7boq59UpNT517OjiZOPiqEKxu6hH4IIhBdB3V3WyIOViS2BEfwKXWzXW5wwXpw3l0vk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYBR-kAEIvwH-APn0msQjqKOS4TKDQ9CoQV8z96JmwPQ2Q&oe=67CB43F1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732005	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 10:38 PM	1740993496	1749181086		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	يا إلهي، هل نمت مع رئيسي؟		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16879415-fb-ar-xy35-0126-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=012440&jump=0&exdata=2F22D5A6D2BEFCB7059A47E2AA8232EDD5FBFE1B545539ED			3.886177176703E+14	Peter TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481108572_991740585642275_4274894850161428181_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wibnbiiid3MQ7kNvgHQG06g&_nc_oc=Adh5ZWKKDetDzHkVCpVaB5PAIkA_j-ZH-Xd43yNHVNii2XbacHGnG47s2TyRdJYcQeFc6fWAKXGcNYKqvef9msLV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYCdW4Vzp37KD-qqyz1q7xiG-9sAJ2ywHxhVAKZnNj7IEQ&oe=67CB524E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		خان صديق مادلين عاطفتها، فشعرت بالانكسار واحتست الكحول حتى الثمالة. وفي تلك الليلة، وجدت نفسها في فراش نيكولاس، الذي كان يكبرها بثلاثة عشر عاما. ونتيجة لذلك، دخلا في علاقة زواج. ظنت مادلين أن زواجهما مجرد علاقة خالية من الحب، لكنها دون أن تدرك وقعت في الفخ الذي نسجه نيكولاس بحبه لها. كان ينتظر بصبر أن تبادله نفس المشاعر.		Peter TV		36	https://www.facebook.com/61564266545203/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731809	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 2:10 PM	1740993492	1747077009		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=88AC938DD8550581D4449D513C0A294FCEFF3A30A3B934BB			3.4007642920014E+14	Ron	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481340149_587354937631357_9096123166375961766_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=G0GVZ0sOM0kQ7kNvgE98dds&_nc_oc=AdjBDf61aaYL80_4avAMHN6uXkqaoYwT_NQ1XlSkF-HFBSDAtQ-IC4PBxqYkfPyEkGDGn-GmnQLgiXmGMrTEjDrb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYA8AULn3RbyAA9ufPgsZFxfBi_1Fmxuxwcf6W3oy4cxpw&oe=67CB4780	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Ron		4664	https://www.facebook.com/61564769759571/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731851	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 2:59 PM	1740993493	1747079957		2747																										fb.lovenovelshort.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥Click to Read	More chapters	https://fb.lovenovelshort.com/book/loading/page/novelshortnew/pageCode/12-181541212354?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}			4.1091837876134E+14	Novel Short	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480685103_607910215431578_1257519622875571203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k6u7mTDoDDQQ7kNvgEwMOFQ&_nc_oc=Adjl1XPiBb-RzBqsGvnVMI5Dj5Qr2mrFJMh0h27uvai6yZI1CwdqVoyJT6j4mMD1QHAva9MW8GGXjx_iZNq1l_IC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AHjGLMgphR4hdkvsxaeUxCg&oh=00_AYCb-lJQLo1LpTuQ7bVrpnp6hBsZujp3Z4QzJ7PPkqTKRQ&oe=67CB307B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“No, cease all operations. It seems I will be back sooner than we had planned,” I spoke into the phone as I bit down hard on my lips trying not to show weakness. The moment I hung up, I released a shaky breath as I stared at the gift bag in my hands. My eyes watered and I let out a scoff. “Seven years of dedication and this is the thanks I get,” I muttered, staring at the box. I was staring at the contents of a small gift box I had found inside my husband’s jacket. Seven years of marriage and my husband had never given me anything, he’d say I was vain when I requested something. But here is a customized diamond bracelet worth ten thousand dollars. He's gotten it for his secretary, Hailey. The words engraved on the body of the bracelet made my heart shatter into a million pieces. My love forever and always, from Tony to Hailey. The bedroom door creaked open as my husband, Tony, stepped inside with a frown on his face. “What’s taking you so long to get my jacket, Ciara?” he asked when he came inside. “This,” I answered, shoving the gift box in his hands. His face crumpled a bit and he sighed, “Hailey’s boyfriend broke up with her and she's been sad so I decided to get her this gift to cheer her up.” I chuckled, at the fact that he was lying straight to my face. He had a lot of nerve, it’s been two years since Hailey entered our lives as his secretary and since then our marriage has never been the same. Tony had stopped sleeping at home for several days since then and he’d come back only when it was necessary. I had long suspected he was cheating on me with Hailey but I've never caught them in the act. Maybe because I was too busy running my husband’s business in the shadows while he thought it was his hard work that brought him success. “Listen, Ciara, it’s not a big deal. Hailey works for me and I can decide to gift her or give her a bonus to buy things for herself so she can be efficient in her work,” Tony added when I didn't say anything. I nodded, “Does it include using the lines from our wedding vow?” Tony seemed tongue-tied for a moment before he recovered, “Why are you questioning me, Ciara? Don't you trust me? I told them to engrave her ex-boyfriend’s name with the words but they made a mistake and put my name instead since I paid for it.” I laughed, “Yes, Tony, keep talking to me like I’m a toddler. You can gift your secretary but not your wife.” As expected, Tony exploded and got defensive, “How dare you? I’ve been working and taking care of you all these years while you stayed home doing nothing and yet you're still an ungrateful woman!” With those words he stormed out of the bedroom, taking the gift box with him. I didn't bother dwelling on his words as I needed to prepare for the burial we were supposed to attend together but now he's gone. One of his colleagues and work friends had passed away in a fatal accident. I was a bit close to the late man’s wife so I wanted to show my support. I opened the wardrobe and got dressed in my black simple dress then I went outside only to find out Tony had left with the limousine. I grabbed his car keys and took his black sedan instead. As I opened the glove compartment, a box stumbled to the floor. I frowned, how many gifts did he get her? I opened the box and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nostrils. I was familiar with this scent, it was a perfume that my husband always came back home with. When I asked he said he meets a lot of people every day so it’s normal for their perfume to rub off on him. There was red sexy lingerie inside with a note that read: to remind you of our explosive night yesterday. My hands shook as I clenched the note. Yesterday, Tony hadn't returned home until early this morning. He went out with this car and claimed that he worked late with Hailey and he had to drop her off because there wasn't any cab available. I scoffed and chucked the box beside the passenger’s seat as I drove toward his office. I've been patient for two years listening to his lies and being treated like a gullible teenager but no more, I deserve an explanation. It’s the least he could give me after seven years of our life together. I pulled up in front of his office and entered inside, my eyes scanning every employee but Hailey was nowhere to be found. I took the elevators to the top floor and went to Tony’s office. As I opened the door I saw Hailey doing a video as she displayed her bracelet and said, “Hey everyone, see what my rich boyfriend got for me.” Chapter 2 Ciara’s Pov “Your rich boyfriend, huh?” I asked. Hailey looked shocked to see me as she stood up and turned off her phone, pasting a fake smile on her face. “Hello, Mrs. Reeds, what are you doing here?” she asked nervously. I scoffed, “This is my husband’s office, I should be asking you that.” “Uh… he's at a meeting. Please don't tell him I was sitting here,” she pleaded. “Stop playing games with me, Hailey, I know you're dating my husband,” I snapped, tossing the lingerie toward her. The vulnerable facade she had earlier slipped from her face as a coy smile formed on her lips. “Oops,” she giggled as she picked up the lingerie, “Busted.” I was surprised by her nonchalant attitude, “Aren’t you ashamed that you're sleeping with my husband?” She flashed her bracelet at me and shrugged, “Nope, why should I be? You're the one who should be ashamed he's cheating on you.” I reacted before I could think and my palm landed across her cheeks as I stared at her harshly. “You vile creature, you will regret ever speaking to me in that tone,” I threatened. Hailey’s eyes flashed with hatred as she glared at me, “No, Ciara, you're the one who would regret laying your filthy hands on me.” I was surprised to see that there was no remorse in her eyes when suddenly she threw herself to the floor and clutched her cheeks as she cried out in pain. “No, Mrs. Reeds, please, I’m sorry. I didn't ask for this, you're misunderstanding,” she cried. I scoffed, oblivious to her schemes, “Okay, now you're asking for mercy?” It was when I saw the small coy smile playing on her lips that I realized it was all an act. Just then the door opened and Tony burst into the office, his face filled with fury. “What nonsense is this?” he yelled at me, “Why are you here, Ciara?” I scoffed as I watched him help Hailey stand up. He checked her cheeks that had my palm print on them. “What? Here to defend your mistress?” I hissed at him. “I’m sorry, sir, your wife seems to be misunderstanding the gift you got me. Please, don't blame her, it’s not her fault,” Hailey said pitifully. “Wow, you deserve an Oscar!” I snapped at her. “Get out!” Tony said to me. I was momentarily shocked as I stared at him my eyes widening in surprise. “Wh…what?” I stuttered. “Get out of my office, Ciara, and never come to my workplace to create such a scene,” he snapped. “But I saw her —” My words were cut short when I felt a sharp sting across my face only to realize Tony had just slapped me. “I am your husband and you will obey me. GET OUT!” he yelled. I touched my cheeks as my eyes stung with tears while Hailey gave me a smug smile as I stumbled out of his office, my body frozen with shock. Tony, who had never let me get hurt before, had just slapped me for another woman. The realization was like a bitter pill to swallow as I drove to the cemetery where the burial was supposed to be held. I tried not to think of the incident and focus on comforting the man’s wife but it became worse when Tony arrived with Hailey and they stood beside me trying to mirror the image of a perfect couple with me as their secretary. Just as the service was concluded and the coffin was lowered into the ground, the woman burst into tears. I was certain she was mourning a love that had ended abruptly. Even though my husband wasn't dead I knew how she felt because, for the past two years, it felt like my husband was dead. That was when we heard the screeching of tires as about ten SUVs surrounded the cemetery. Before I knew it the sound of gunshots filled the air as people screamed and scrambled away while I watched as Tony dived down with Hailey shielding her with his body and I stood frozen with shock. There was danger and my husband instead of protecting me had left me for the wolves while he protected his mistress. “Get down!” an unfamiliar voice yelled. The words barely registered before I felt a sharp pain as someone tackled me to the ground and I lost track of time as my eyes suddenly grew heavy. “Stay with me!” I heard an unfamiliar voice but it sounded so distant. Then I slowly closed my eyes and gave in to the darkness. Chapter 3 Ciara’s Pov The incessant beeping of the machine was the first sound I heard when I opened my eyes followed by the bright lights hanging above me. I realized I was in the hospital as the memories of Tony shielding Hailey with his body flashed before my eyes. What had happened? I wondered as I felt a sharp pain close to my stomach. The door opened and a doctor came inside. She had a bright smile on her face. “Mrs. Reeds, I’m so glad you're awake,” she smiled. “What happened?” I asked, my throat dry. “You don't recall?” she asked, frowning. I shrugged, “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” The doctor helped me sit up as I let out a sharp groan, she smiled apologetically at me before propping me with a pillow. “You were shot, Mrs. Reeds,” she said, as I gulped down the water she gave me. My mind flashed to the gunshot and I frowned, I had thought it was a dream but that was the sad reality of my life. “In the course of performing surgery to remove the bullet we found out you were pregnant, we tried our best but you lost the baby,” the doctor added. The words rang in my ears as I sat feeling numb, staring at her while my hands subconsciously touched my lower belly. “I was pregnant?” I asked. The doctor nodded, “We are so sorry, Mrs. Reeds. If there's anything you need at all —” “When will I be discharged?” I asked, interrupting her. She blinked, “The nature of your injuries is severe, I don't recommend leaving the hospital soon.” “How fast can I be discharged?” I demanded, a bit forceful this time. The doctor swallowed cautiously, “We can keep you for observation, and if there's no bleeding you can leave tomorrow but you're not allowed to do any strenuous task.” I nodded, “Thank you, Doctor.” She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text message to an unsaved number on my phone just as I heard a light knock on the door. I raised my head and saw it was Tony, standing in the doorway with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry, I just panicked and I was closer to Hailey and you're older than her so I figured you'd know what to do, I didn't know you would keep standing till the bullet hit you,” Tony rambled in what seemed like an apology. I just gave him a blank look without batting an eye at him. “Say something, please,” he said, “The doctor told me about the baby too. I know we've been trying to get one for years. I'm sure you'll get pregnant again.” I scoffed, for two years Tony had never touched me until he came home one-night drunk as a skunk one month ago and we had. After that, he never touched me and that was how I got pregnant. I looked away from him and focused my attention on my phone which was now pinging with a series of text messages. “Mrs. Reeds, please forgive us.” The sound of Hailey’s mocking voice was like a slap to my face as I looked up and saw her hiding behind Tony, without a single bruise on her body while Tony had scratches on his arm and face from protecting her. Without thinking, I removed the IV and stood up ignoring the searing pain I felt below my abdomen. Tony, who knew me so well, saw the rage on my face as he tried to shield Hailey with his body. “Please, Ciara, she's just a kid don't be mad at her,” he pleaded, “Be mad at me instead —” The words were barely out of his lips when I slapped him, pushing him aside. Tony was so shocked he barely had time to stand up as I slapped Hailey twice and pushed her to the ground. Hailey cried and held her cheeks while Tony scrambled and ran toward her. “Ciara, are you mad? See what you've done to the innocent girl. She's not the one who sent shooters to the burial or made you keep standing like a fool while they were shooting,” Tony spat angrily. I stared at him and scoffed, “Both of you will regret this, I will make sure of it.” With my eyes blazing in anger, I walked out of the hospital. I barely made it to the car park when I realized my stitches had ripped and I was bleeding. “Damn it!” I groaned. I leaned heavily against a car when I saw two black SUVs heading toward me. The cars stopped before me as armed men stepped out of the car. One of the men stepped forward and bowed before handing me an envelope. “It's ready, Mistress,” he said. I opened the envelope and read the contents nodding as I hurriedly signed before giving it back to him. “Make sure he signs it,” I ordered. The man nodded as he led me to the car which drove off immediately. “Relax, Mistress, we’ll soon arrive at the private airstrip where we parked the jet,” the driver said. I nodded and relaxed even though my lower abdomen was hurting me. Just as we arrived and I was about to enter the jet, my phone rang. I glanced at it and saw it was Tony. “Ciara, what is this madness? Instead of you to apologize for what you've done to Hailey you hired goons to force me to sign a divorce certificate? Come here right now!” Tony spat angrily over the phone. “Go to hell and so help me God if you ever call my number again I’ll make you wish for death!” I threatened before I hung up and tossed my phone into the trash. I smoothed my dress as I walked into the helicopter. I will make Tony and Hailey regret their actions. They just wait!"		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2731806	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:36 PM	1740993492	1747082217		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482197514_1329966578325639_8657034099796045138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PyZKNpzBLIIQ7kNvgESPijX&_nc_oc=AdiQTKavThg2GfStY3U9DKmr8XWKLVTYZrr2iHFtbI0Joly4NRUMLo2J2j0SjPjRs9zlnxtRmxkGSvitoa04G2Vy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYDnkgP66ePbUEsSH-vmsa42wngKx7nnDy_7Unw8EOq5JA&oe=67CB4393	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Reelshort-Video stories		618217	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732211	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 9:22 PM	1740993500	1749176566		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481211858_518172797580849_7318628304452199907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fJ03Kf7A-J8Q7kNvgF2lcGV&_nc_oc=Adh8YTTgVnQ-U5cde4oTtsFucDIWw-AxXRGh_ksLqW8N9avs4FN3_5DKt-oM3B-FQCwI-b-PpoAZBuVbABPVukUa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYDddse2TUDPmLimloN_isrm6ZhMB2urQ1Hwp3bSFLETog&oe=67CB5AA2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731446	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 9:24 PM	1740993484	1749176698		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	Get Relief. $27 New Patient Special. Exam, X-ray's (if needed), Dr's Report. Book today.	113+ 5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ + Google Reviews	http://fb.me/			4.3101668404617E+14	Empower Family Chiropractic	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481995676_663306076260400_9047016186986963214_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ewS6I8xtp0EQ7kNvgGhe438&_nc_oc=AdgJ26h8Onkg5Ui1OShVG1KrwZF7KmbFL2BSmyGOJyTpgcc7eoZhFpyh6UDtRz-QAY5VxKXQ4-J6MUEK_q0WjRfg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYBBnj2PITPA4fVhdJa4-vzuvFePAvAE8Bg9eIwHd3hUjA&oe=67CB458D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		👋 Hello Triad Area I'm Dr. Mike Pierce D.C. and it's time to say goodbye to chronic issues. 😀 Struggling with any of these issues? ✅ Headaches ✅ Neck Pain ✅ Blood Pressure Issues ✅ Migraines ✅ Lower Back Pain ✅ Sciatica 🎉 27 vouchers for $27 for anyone who really needs to get care right now. Receive: 🔍 Complete Exam 💪 Nerve Scan 📷 X-rays (if needed) 📋 Doctor's Report of Findings & Personalized Treatment Plan of Action 🌟Enhance your Family's well-being, say goodbye to pain and hello to a fresh new start. Click "Learn More" below to claim your voucher for a limited time for a $27 Complete Chiropractic Bundle.		Empower Family Chiropractic		885	https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerFamilyChiroAZ/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731790	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:06 PM	1740993491	1747083983		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481215885_995733109135330_2349526262731343011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OGHMZ5-aj-0Q7kNvgGGCH3i&_nc_oc=Adh2f5-amTv2tbNz52SPchU1CDvTKfOxj2C1kin5BBcKWRo7Cv1SglyljL9fWCe9TphI1P_NeFeqB8vxoWY28XHz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYBq7y3QmnmN15J09cwY307VQldjbzfOZi8xywsqoINCqw&oe=67CB3342	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732271	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:12 PM	1740993501	1747084334		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👀 Watch more exciting content now !👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45069&language=en&timestamp=1736251161852&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8677001784226E+14	AABBQ	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481211134_624311576875380_2033294467010043720_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t-c7t66ojkMQ7kNvgHeUEkg&_nc_oc=AdhkTtGDG3sS9Ff5PegzxaC99w4xYS3DAbbbfG3bus9DDNshSp-9rGcGCLpeh3QUYLrezkEkbjpWl5xg_N5nUhWH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYABTbQxQ2E3Hf0r4o1ky1uP9_OdeTbb_3vnvle1i62Mmw&oe=67CB35D0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🥰Hot! So Hot!🥰🔥 🎬This is the exclusive content of "SHORTMAX", exciting video, please follow us!🥰 💥💥Sia returns with her son five years after divorcing Alpha Reagononly to find that--Reagon never divorced her and he hates her!Reagon makes Sia work as a stripper, believing that she betrayeed him five years ago. Reagon may be able to force himself to punish her, he cannot force himself to stop loving her. If only Reagon knew that Sia loves him, and that her son is actually his...💥🎬 🥰If you want to watch more, please download our app to continue watching!🎬🔥		AABBQ		296	https://www.facebook.com/61561770861279/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731949	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:12 PM	1740993495	1747084336		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481971166_1172567564400955_3297108894551460210_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lijdzMWhWksQ7kNvgFV_WwK&_nc_oc=AdidUR8m6eROB9QrZhHaV6Arf9_O7hDHGtQzLm-bv9Nzp4qKlqLQkxjs--nkjA5Err3y_XiM_k0AYEIkumN8zGLY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYA7sEd9Q1n0RISqaHTM_QyLhPT9fGh9j2KrKZD1w8CBvw&oe=67CB4970	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732163	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 9:35 PM	1740993499	1749177315		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	A Fake Marriage, A Fated Love Story!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			3.1876550131739E+14	Eashort Playhouse	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481902557_1211590187637550_6766120070891194993_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P0R_hrw0H3QQ7kNvgHk_oFh&_nc_oc=AdhX-iV-mbP-3YmENS7_ydzCIEPFwwzb8SrJi1MnnP1Ahp5YFwMd_eA518KGF7gndF98Lu1hSC9XTaYS-WPWTKpp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYBgPrX6pMND15Qt8Huth0YP79bTHW-Lf-cmbFepycXQPA&oe=67CB3C1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		From a fake marriage to real love, Natalie and Jasper’s story is full of twists. 💍💖		Eashort Playhouse		54	https://www.facebook.com/61559314566209/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732251	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 9:41 PM	1740993501	1749177719		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=51576&language=en&timestamp=1740380060540&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1449055158994E+14	BGJS F	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481208314_1406881793807139_6847687713378942614_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FfBW1rO_nSkQ7kNvgHjW1Bt&_nc_oc=Adgfy_R25sy3-Zxs7x3yAC-3Uqh8sTxj2FttWwbNF47S_zm6Hrw2JQcwua0O2rnEcc2A90-DUXu49YfoEAgGowX9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZ4MQjKNB3wXiPM7MzpjH24&oh=00_AYBNQL1uqR4N_sdcLm3QuZ9NH1EWBneDF6RlLG9FLLROiA&oe=67CB40D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😹😹 CEO, Your Wife Runs Away with Your Six Heirs		BGJS F		19006	https://www.facebook.com/100090614746031/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732099	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 3:24 PM	1740993498	1746303841		2747																										thepapertomorrow.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Simple Vitamin Banished My Nerve Pain		https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67bf8f696e92eed8f7d5a7f5?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481342617_1374505633893411_1101072257881735216_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aFhZBOSJE9YQ7kNvgEC9I0S&_nc_oc=AdhvezlHl3cv0gjIQF7jJ6g3dEawj5XciPICnNyNhz2DvphNmVHcakEjSEZtQ3bPO9KyvlAr7_CoLJ4MnAr_tQE8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYBiGoq92PbP1tQr9ejldE5BVO8II7yZiDpeHaGC8KXZBw&oe=67CB2A81	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731672	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 7:35 PM	1740993489	1747096537		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481452260_1132016875370775_1557935076317349812_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=se70l-v1xLAQ7kNvgECe9qG&_nc_oc=Adi_6-dVnb4Hx8A98J7lIMj31XW5QCT4dJ7qIcf24UuJXqpm_OO5ntlwiXnnC0XF9W4KLuM6ke8HY0YuFFuYcMps&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYAqE8bA9NqTwG_qbFOYR6PZsrb1-7wN9Xo-bBZBZnl87w&oe=67CB35D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732207	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 5:29 PM	1740993500	1746311386		2747																										www.oficialarialief.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Watch this video until the end!		https://www.oficialarialief.com/VSLOG			1.4811728170851E+14	Barbara Lemes	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480969388_1098461742047544_5554153101045798386_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ItdzIxkb_8gQ7kNvgGcXAqs&_nc_oc=AdjXAHDy7PI0NV69h8idZ2Y4pktYgo0flDnOW7OtPKRM24mVCQtNQthOfixTYKnL_vEuahIqINBNLnXnQbI1Ope8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYAKOdhsniZQEraM-fv1MeHxoxqseMLouVh9g8YkiwDmWA&oe=67CB3034	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		.		Barbara Lemes		812	https://www.facebook.com/barbarasdf65/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731836	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 5:32 PM	1740993492	1746311547		2747																										mysoothelab.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Soothe discomfort today | 60% off 👉	😊 80,000+ happy customers | 24/7 support	http://mysoothelab.com/sbm			1.0377071935262E+14	My Soothe Lab	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481773614_629089003188393_7904608328625847695_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CXmlWMdWiLcQ7kNvgFiXfSC&_nc_oc=AdhMzNg0pv6BdHGUmTpa8WeN8hJ9xur2pvSNbVzCyP5Q9LqtcI016cKylQe2zJZhzp4iBwAKYDLzEKfuSB_pn2ad&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYCJ7-dkWAHcHAnR--GNGv_mNDuUKBE8d1D7lMwJb3NQuw&oe=67CB3313	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"This is the ONLY device that relieved my back pain and sciatica. Just 15 minutes day from the comfort of my own home is all it took to feel significant relief!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Monica L. - USA ✅ Eliminate back pain & sciatica at home with the Soothe Massager. ❌ No pills & expensive medical bills. Shop now while it's on sale ➡️ mysoothelab.com/sbm		My Soothe Lab		835	https://www.facebook.com/mysoothelab/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732029	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 12:40 AM	1740993497	1749188434		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970F2C0A17D014B0F4E6FBA440B0992F1A9			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481236145_1159661615649245_321827739195504214_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rDCW7P27fLIQ7kNvgEH7krb&_nc_oc=Adg04tVcOgg3mhEOv-gDebhluSL1zFiN0KzwSfGzoIBwWvr2_m7gnhNtvcFh77-Ui285mkbqzNdNBkgG7rtSkFpT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYDvqPN-5XNJxNdc4GByOu-_8tKrNyFKYmoM5jfQc61PlA&oe=67CB576A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732150	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 12:43 AM	1740993499	1749188609		2747																										www.marmospine.net	Learn more			VIDEO	$49 Spinal Decompression Treatment!	Book an appointment today.	https://www.marmospine.net/optin			1.3982360951826E+14	Marmo Spine & Rehab	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475997919_1146050050318743_1906643683028226305_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7oBaUmu85dwQ7kNvgH14EtI&_nc_oc=AdgYebH_4A7MroXBgp5q6v25xamBzuQAWmES74anNQyp4Y8MJZDJokzyv597vQoh8TvOPTJRF0abzCxpdVzYdRTv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYA9J9s6mG20tsvMF1XQ-QYQ3i1epI4MoVMpL5YT39T1iQ&oe=67CB4539	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hey Frankfort! Do you experience Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Joint Pain, Stress, Muscle Discomfort, or Poor Posture?⁣ ⁣ For the Next Week, we are Giving Away 50 Vouchers for a Spinal Decompression Treatment, including a Detailed Nerve and Spinal System Examination, a Health History Consultation, Digital X-Rays (if required), with a Report of Findings and a Personalized Treatment Plan, all for just $49 Dollars! (Normally a $315 total value!)⁣⁣ ⁣ Ready to take control and alleviate pain? Click Below to sign up and claim your VOUCHER now!		Marmo Spine & Rehab		150	https://www.facebook.com/MarmoSpineRehab/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732026	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 12:43 AM	1740993497	1749188627		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE904EC51D05DE563E14FC7C8F9E2D44AF350			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482021416_937609251859305_2027431979461826344_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PNTI8jjzCz4Q7kNvgH2ORd-&_nc_oc=Adh43OH2yyDoAvQJj5A4P8EDFCJTilVxJDcN2FeGuz8nl9o7mxb-EkS-QDxAUB7MgFiz3m_uEPYzcNqc-veXMzvL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYDidts1MlKu4HpdqgUCzFjfk06ZyG1_-J9J4ZIPHiVIKQ&oe=67CB4E5F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732199	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 7:59 PM	1740993500	1747097949		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480867963_2395954080763794_4545756196633147477_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FmdbzY5vnHQQ7kNvgE78qhd&_nc_oc=AdiXWLP_JkPnMXCdXu9WmYyQ2_aHHCnd_vTwNaTRHubr1pZb2K8NGt_oB5Vf_gEC3TZv_2n_H0DlimKhkamrXh_C&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYCeW5bHLX_9gaLCiTw0nGxEWce5Pqh9FyEcmah-IQfB4g&oe=67CB36E9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731550	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 5:41 PM	1740993486	1746312066		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481258967_654647987112488_8394990474610246440_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rxpfdJgyHIsQ7kNvgFcpnnM&_nc_oc=AdifMh9Qce_PytnNY7TEo6KA9KNUrfyUe4B0L21OyRMgCE34FFTgP_UMI4nQHYgPKI3d62PBh3lhJoVu2gLDBh6X&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYDaZNa4GX9_NifhoD4M_Ogw0UBFj1g-jvADDH7EJOBzxA&oe=67CB45A2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732064	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 8:16 PM	1740993497	1747098984		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Celestial Queen: Revenge Is Sweet When You're A Zillionaire Heiress		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970D0432C3C6994B4E111FFD54AE2131EB9			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480961347_841470531444436_3063746297870700625_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yXprZ99ade8Q7kNvgG_jKwz&_nc_oc=AdgVdXCvYDj8Ul4WmgmVOJNXroBkX4eTKVXndjqd5Kd96Q-mzwVWhQ4JcczLvN9Kg9BW-zMdwY4NKpg5eREKHxLf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYDWoNVkSIppUcAV67vssGaVFnT_DMUMKZaZb9P40LPRmw&oe=67CB50C0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732283	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 6:44 PM	1740993502	1746315868		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480665641_1288183432437198_869891859042580100_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tj8sa08nMrIQ7kNvgFA3Qnv&_nc_oc=Adjys8pNRY_01qqMVdI-X2vxAAVWVSNFZaQqPby8i8-8ME-bH8VD48RpKlhXQ9Apq9e8PCUGHPgkfsZnaiE-dTcn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCJ3oe2pllzivrDd8U4MLv45-ojr7GK1Pthnpgpa8Zvdg&oe=67CB5406	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732025	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 6:13 PM	1740993497	1746313987		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F9803BABE4FFDE8FDED2BD9E38015AF026634			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481942214_2008529376323117_5455751389213752041_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ATBXYCHmvO0Q7kNvgFrq351&_nc_oc=AdjsrDcvBinWO8OsZoAEL68CkdSQigvAxz1Sk7jw8HKTPkS797w86y7B3mgyQBJKb_7H49gNMwXgBJ0EeNLpN53s&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYCfY99GU7JXiwPkD73nql6XL3lLgERpMbyL7IfmYVCLjQ&oe=67CB4E3A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732235	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 4:54 PM	1740993501	1746309292		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480707607_1162372908622910_4555687914768788343_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jeL5uNeFeykQ7kNvgFfoKUb&_nc_oc=Adj7XSnm1cG8ImNYmDtnk51W79zHI5vTmpTiupB3fkMbFe9FRz4OUjiKe_rPyoaDuV76FvFBfaJCH2krVPMi5tzU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYA82NYXSEy_lTfuPicKLRvZ8tjn6j52ZOOOXSNK7Rx4fA&oe=67CB57FE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732129	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 11:23 PM	1740993499	1749183783		2747																										tryleaply.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Reduced Anxiety and Stress by 68.5% ✅	Leaply VGN quiz	https://tryleaply.com/vgn?utm_source=fb&utm_acc=A1_Leaply			3.0133283639906E+14	Leaply	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481297866_632602816374130_9068298772466794336_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hyL8UDAecp4Q7kNvgGsZk9v&_nc_oc=AdiNywwXLaP4K01O33dzSjm4g23Tdj3oKl5PEu5SPAL166x0YGRFjRmpP5qNp7B0hLY-ASRtUgnZxNmaeqJ90HsA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AY9_jLxcqqElj1xdMSc7-zO&oh=00_AYBS83V1uWgqkMWDCaC79HJwRdPD44E7coOQ-Z-0zacqoQ&oe=67CB2A6B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Is stress and anxiety holding you back? Our specialized program is designed to help you: ✅ Discover the root cause ✅ Get out of survival mode ✅ Say goodbye to constant tiredness and disorganization ✅ Regain inner peace Take a 1-min quiz 👉		Leaply		8121	https://www.facebook.com/61559545764014/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732030	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 2:01 AM	1740993497	1749193283		2747																										www.onecompress.com	Learn more			VIDEO	combat foot neuropathy pain while sleeping - NEW product available now	100% natural | free shipping | 60-day money back guarantee	https://www.onecompress.com/products/bamboofootsleeves			1.0070842496458E+14	One Compress	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480809278_1305433107417642_1299733077770638628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Si6DAbftKy8Q7kNvgFUt46n&_nc_oc=AdhAaYVw7Q_Kbg04WLX_duxeHNnRz6DyWboa_vaxPzu-UqQlgzhxfqG__vNxs1IqTVc9TOPdW4OoOlPFiF564whS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYAaS0lt0UYnpX7TQipD7ddqrXEykXMuUpS0aWTbriPaDw&oe=67CB48EC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Combat foot neuropathy pain without medication" ✅100% natural ✅Effortless ✅Fast-acting NEW Bamboo Anti-Fatigue Socks that combat foot pains, neuropathy, swelling, diabetic foot and more while sleeping... 1. Superbly Soft - Luxuriously soft and only gets softer everytime you wash it. 2. Thermoregulating - Warms you when it's cold and cools you when it's hot. 3. Native Freshness - Wicks moisture and prevents bad odor 4X better than cotton. 4. Naturally Anti-Bacterial - Natural micro-gaps make it extremely breathable, bacteria-free and hypoallergenic. 5. Eco-Friendly - Water consumption is 66% less than cotton and produces 10X more output per acre. "Learn More" for Exclusive Coupon Code: 👉 onecompress.com/bamboofoot		One Compress		7929	https://www.facebook.com/100066420470751/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732048	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 11:41 PM	1740993497	1749184861		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=DBA5B0CFC69BB0FE96E61A33FD73959C0AE12E4FE16FEE59			3.9131869407293E+14	MoboReels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481471366_3871806043031466_893148776156439525_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yaHuLoWSWr8Q7kNvgHJYvGE&_nc_oc=AdiDKgIm-9kxPadduw-KB-5S4lMA1UxvcjaTQpmEKfYxjeartYyRaU_7yrc2njmC0HnrzziBL8knrPhCGNxgq_Lq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYDOh3Y-QGWhFjc8x3b2_DFobmTf2yTYsWwuqId5ZSiLcQ&oe=67CB2F4F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		MoboReels		44	https://www.facebook.com/61565866059965/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731969	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 11:45 PM	1740993495	1749185141		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764AB041CA27D5CCDA0302359E8B7F0B79D8			4.3522515300228E+14	Short-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481083222_901369045449029_182882475176137610_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RP-fvcBNsBoQ7kNvgEUGlKm&_nc_oc=AdgAuwq5iRYYBdp-nqEStGSul2gBQYKn3e8VSWnYZlz4pOTd-G4zywG9IoYfoTaHk8hZJP36GHs5YO53kDXU57bk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYCWZc4TfChOOwV3Vtw9_JMu7iii8CyJ3cyrCyadk6cZMg&oe=67CB3EE9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Short-TV		141	https://www.facebook.com/61565133077097/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731896	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 6:54 PM	1740993494	1746316471		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481909637_941971561257700_7326395873105585761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ls-V2szjwD0Q7kNvgGY7vQw&_nc_oc=Adg6w3NZiHydfwgyyV4a1bDsclU_ctLWVo-nc3jLmNUEtHcSE0lM4--Nq5Oat4HrVMSH4MqskVnGyU-tgnDBXuho&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDbDJL3AJTJR2lnRgzeslPCXgoPA6tTA2_NKpjkfq3wTQ&oe=67CB38CF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731929	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/18/25, 1:05 AM	1740993494	1750226722		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476849443_1157400892416182_5565411566396635523_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1w1a-aa3WzcQ7kNvgG7A9Ns&_nc_oc=Adgl1LDfYc0GRlRdTFDMPbp3ANCBiGE_3D_ksYMBxcZGI33pB30H87c_ofiaZbCc-rJuBrEFIHx_B6dTyi6szQPe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYAQAWCowMOak6sLt40eUyaTptQwbhmYVq-y_Mry-37CIw&oe=67CB4705	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732221	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 12:24 AM	1740993501	1747113881		2747																										orthinex.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Flash sale ends today!	Pay safely with PayPal	https://orthinex.com/products/orthinex-premium-ergonomic-pillow			4.400339525349E+14	Orthinex	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481170997_9278386315609075_3154854226643793825_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ElKmKNCLtiYQ7kNvgGjzMHv&_nc_oc=AdhX6KHaGmwuXyrQhFUv6YUpc1v2JkoDpDFrXJkzA9IjrAUyQ2uQv-78q9aZ7WKV8GEIf66Ctn58Kg3Cey6lBa9K&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYDOXYdnHE17246f-Op_qtmLPZZBwBmnUOyiICIElflRFg&oe=67CB4F37	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Experience relief and wake up refreshed with the Orthinex Pillow, designed to alleviate sciatica pain and improve your sleep posture. Perfectly contoured for support, it cradles your head and neck, promoting proper alignment and long-lasting comfort. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to better mornings with Orthinex.		Orthinex		541	https://www.facebook.com/61568048379894/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731813	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 12:34 AM	1740993492	1747114449		2747																										ad.honeyreels.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🥰Only Download HoneyReels to watch All Video 🎬👉		https://ad.honeyreels.com/landing/fbindex.html?id=9772&style_id=1&album_id=20970&sex=woman&utm_source=FB&media_app_id=1158676719205135&episode_id=77083&align=1&af_adset={{adset.name}}&af_ad={{ad.name}}&af_ad_id={{ad.id}}&af_adset_id={{adset.id}}&af_c_id={{campaign.id}}&auto_seconds=8			5.7935592192442E+14	Shortseries APP	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481899178_1702526863671773_219065469256690598_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=acCAyI275foQ7kNvgHjjPLP&_nc_oc=Adi9DOHVLxEXSBw1xaYPjyAhCpxStH5WD5m0LODlM4VnNLbvqREuXoNQiWZ5X7i70nOBZdmf-hQSBE4PDodADpzK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYB2zlh7MHe5cKt1atxmmJUPIxycXHr1CrU4d1UQ9BJxow&oe=67CB5B8E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😡Anthony Campbell colluded with his wife's bestie to murder his wife, Kate Nelson. ✊On the day of the funeral, however, "Kate" returned, catching everyone off guard. 🤩🤩Stella Scobell disguised herself as her sister Kate to investigate the cause of Kate's death and seek revenge for Kate. Just as the revenge was about to succeed, Kate, who had lost her memory, returned and sided with Anthony⁉️🎬👉		Shortseries APP		163	https://www.facebook.com/61572467040449/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731800	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 7:18 PM	1740993492	1746317936		2747																										greatnerves.club	Learn more			VIDEO	I Beat Neuropathy in 15 Seconds—Here’s How...		https://lp.greatnerves.club/67b8a8d05d0a44eda9be0a30?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.5740493745756E+14	Debbie Taylor	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074110_981507546911150_7614137823698878019_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=E39h5dhPOiYQ7kNvgFNIFv8&_nc_oc=AdgkH23hzS6ZuPD8_2nC0NcRy3dkgdXgltCsbrvCLvWXRP9i-z6bfsKEsjboOKa6eRAD_UEnBZxjySfm4TRDVXAD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYC_5XYoeEOsbRAgUR_HbZeHyzFiUC8pgXhkHO0nQLqnNQ&oe=67CB2F3C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Every night, I’d lie awake, feet burning like they were on fire… no position was comfortable, and painkillers barely touched it... It started with tingling—like pins and needles that wouldn’t go away. Then, the burning, the stabbing pains, the numbness… and the fear that it was only getting worse. I thought I was out of options. But then, I found out something shocking—new research shows nerve pain isn’t just about damaged nerves. It’s actually caused by a hidden ‘nerve choke’ blocking blood flow and nutrients from reaching the nerves. A doctor in Japan discovered a 15-second method to release this choke and restore normal nerve function. I figured, what do I have to lose? Within days, I noticed the burning wasn’t as intense. The stabbing pains faded. And for the first time in years, I actually woke up feeling rested. If you’re suffering from nerve pain, don’t wait. Tap below to take a quick quiz and see if this could help you too.		Debbie Taylor		241	https://www.facebook.com/61553076994345/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732284	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:39 PM	1740993502	1746322796		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Watch more episodes on ShortMax🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			6.1632350155691E+14	Short Max	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275084_618245274336197_1550896709359854102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A5YT704AdEcQ7kNvgFbnQ8G&_nc_oc=AdhOdEcBCny785uKTWCGvkOKMjuMPlUOiSgYZXF8BHqlY8LDEw2O9WayAwK-4UE0jjZAlbq5DrZWLvvqs7Kqr8OQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYB-YhJIdub5Kus2SiKlFtMu8F_SINW62JdCJtMH3_nO3Q&oe=67CB2E56	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😹This series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! Next episode is amazing!		Short Max		44	https://www.facebook.com/61573656003603/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732093	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 7:32 PM	1740993498	1746318763		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn More			DCO	A simple vitamin...	{{product.description}}	https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481803666_1160666018920542_3450911243861037114_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H9BP1bOGZJQQ7kNvgHj7ByO&_nc_oc=Adgpl0e5obOLk_cns-42ur4BIwYN4uznZrFhAn7JAqSJO-rcugkswXbmFsRDzO2YiO9rM-Nv6pfL7pY9MiXWyQRG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYB-uta7lNzSQDt4qr6WhJGnytGUw80lTxIQk1cIoCE9JA&oe=67CB33FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731780	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/3/25, 10:33 PM	1740993491	1749008013		2747																										nervanora.com	Shop now			IMAGE	Take back your life and start living pain-free.	I Went From Choking Down Pills Just to Be Able to Fall Asleep… To Walking, Standing, and Playing With My Grandchildren Again	https://nervanora.com/pages/copy-of-nervanora?_ab=0&key=1740830676934			4.8054216848505E+14	Mag Serenity	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074481_631135089532969_2640044095453495420_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Kum3HGoHPL8Q7kNvgHzLO4Z&_nc_oc=AdhAb8WHGZ4aYWEHxuSo68IjBXQ9lbalpLnAf0vwhUHX7OGoESIdgH_G9jeexL4TCqoU_VJKQ4EZ2-TLvygCn2fB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYDU7TF4excnRTCJrx2pgWujaGdToTVlQvJwwz7aP9M9Jw&oe=67CB346B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with neuropathy, pain, and sleepless nights?Struggling with burning, tingling, nerve pain, and sleepless nights? Whether your discomfort is due to diabetes, age, or underlying health conditions... nerve pain can disrupt your life and sleep. It's essential to find a solution before another night of pain and discomfort takes its toll... Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion harnesses the power of magnesium to offer relief from neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbances almost instantly. This special blend seeps deep into the skin, targeting the root cause of your nerve pain discomfort. Just a dab before bedtime is all it takes, and you can drift into a peaceful, deep sleep, free from nerve pain. Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion also comes with FREE Shipping & a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Experience pain relief and restful nights or get your money back, guaranteed. ✅ Alleviates nerve pain ✅ Natural magnesium blend for effective pain relief (no harsh chemicals) ✅ Endorsed & loved by those suffering from nerve pain across the country for its effectiveness		Mag Serenity		17	https://www.facebook.com/61571848267243/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732307	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:01 PM	1740993502	1746320462		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481682429_1355598535435836_4710405245180437636_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2oYQNTtskdgQ7kNvgEvA2MH&_nc_oc=AdgSiA1kqYDOb31lY3C2BO-j2CXmXLSICxjedqV6QJBNEOWxgBh_Vt1pHhan1M-jsT1zJi0qcDAixVTC0TiZ9NKz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYABBz29MSheW0mDC0oXpv8zWv-3q_U_fsTwfJ1nRL9xiQ&oe=67CB47F5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732102	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:02 PM	1740993498	1746320538		2747																										website.metronovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	😎Click here to Read on More Spicy Chapters👉		https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle_new/lv2jyrpkmxi3aioozhlfmsnj?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			3.5900779063621E+14	Love stories and books	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481199604_1610986283121109_7220776872726546916_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FLJDPUX-ltIQ7kNvgEiV_7M&_nc_oc=AdhTDG3ahZBK6qX5xnc0ATn6mG0fOQIZC5YiNmiJ_r3dqYN1SuQUWzJ03sp0CV2xgOECVU6b_tfIg-HgIht4xk_7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYDG8RYs4RfEK8Z-WVbhhY22QhcAT_LOpZIreSxDJCOZBA&oe=67CB592C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."		Love stories and books		70	https://www.facebook.com/61563510724242/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731600	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:02 PM	1740993487	1746320580		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481221648_1312533933132310_3135480120942436205_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TfIYLu7qlLsQ7kNvgHE4TDA&_nc_oc=AdgRRWGdv9pL7gOlypdsBxokYdo8eOHbtdyv6VSWtElgg2dql8SOt6aEyow74BNS1kRR1jgKjygAAfPdjUdpcacW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBp7n_uiSTl1UEvE2WmG8-C3UFgRv19sJrUAHHKdTRVNQ&oe=67CB37FE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2732008	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 4:39 AM	1740993496	1749202759		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970703E9ABC1863CF8418E15D8C1450F4D2			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482274348_9221802181241415_943562216515699448_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4Vh3vduL-XQQ7kNvgFscmxw&_nc_oc=Adh6e9fMWNiQsAMtXAh60TUgbL7hGZX2D-ruZ7W8_yQqk2u9p79oLybQiKBvaleTVuCRtme02Rctcf7_eoIe5Fmt&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYAGfTSo61dnBw7HvquK5Bwrv7s0JT8dcB7faqDKJPuD7g&oe=67CB5BA9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732232	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:12 PM	1740993501	1746321180		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481049795_628524976555097_93084309663337166_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oR7q-TQD8bYQ7kNvgFC4BUj&_nc_oc=AdhFOb1Q1ydygBHsGWuOh4Azal-_Kikqwhss4KKMDZoWp9UzSk1wF9TToVGpg6DX0bey4qn0jTqyr5kKb1lZuCQm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCGgyOF64_02BK-ge62gZeDLKqk-N9tbqhuOgLH0YegdQ&oe=67CB29BC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731757	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:24 PM	1740993491	1746321887		2747																										www.novel-oasis.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules📜		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/fwjibt1jfi3mkphu4rk4uebe?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217146022620690&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0044243922423E+14	Novel Yang Booming	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482005153_637255905515095_4082191904897834954_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mc2vHXGTl0wQ7kNvgFA1rAF&_nc_oc=Adj8srQ4jdQXuafETtrzZZD76CCkS1F9boBnccPcPUlkHtpx7WUYvJDoSMjzjTgx6fIol_mfWLZLgtTbNzQVqwxl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYBzPmbYMB8wyQLlM3MlCfVq5T7bXzs2jTKp9Y-K36z7tg&oe=67CB4747	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat. Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. 'Does this mean... I'm gonna be fired?' she wondered. Ellison Grant's piercing gaze met hers. "We're getting married. I'll take responsibility." Her mind went blank. 'Since when did successful men become so old-fashioned? One night together, and he's already talking marriage?' she thought. ***** "Joycelyn, you're now twenty-six. Don't tell me you're still a virgin?" The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn's mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall. Having never been kissed, she'd dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming intoxication. Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung inward. Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow. Joycelyn blinked in confusion. 'Why is he in my room?' she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. 'This has to be a dream.' "Is there something on my face?" His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire. "Mhmm." The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy. Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore's whispered words. "A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed," Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life. Joycelyn's tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. 'If I can't have him in real life,' she thought, 'at least I can enjoy this dream.' She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. "Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky." Her lips curved into a playful smile. "Care to test that theory?" The air crackled between them as their eyes locked. Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control slipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. "Is this what you want? Huh?" he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yes," she breathed, the word barely a whisper. Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close, his features were even more striking than the glimpses she'd caught at the office. She found herself tracing every perfect line with her gaze—from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted lips. Her expression shifted from seductive to innocent as their eyes met again. The way she looked at him—he knew exactly what was going on. In one fluid motion, he took control, pressing her against the wall. His fingers guided her hand to his belt, his voice husky with restraint. "Help me with this." Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise. Her heart thundered in her chest. The kiss was both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his buttons and zipper, following his lead. Perhaps because she believed it was a dream, there was no pain—only pleasure. Under his gentle guidance, she even found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender and skilled, though his stamina proved overwhelming. ***** The next morning, Joycelyn drifted between sleep and wakefulness as footsteps approached. 'Why does this dream feel so real?' she wondered, her brow furrowing as Ellison's voice reached her ears. Reality crashed in as she opened her eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V-line disappearing beneath white terry cloth. Memories of the night before flooded her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away just as quickly. "Mr. Grant! Why are you here?" She clutched the sheets tighter. "Last night, we... we..." The words stuck in her throat as his eyes studied her flustered expression. "What exactly are you trying to ask?" He was curious. "I mean, last night, did we..." Her tongue tied itself in knots. "We did." His simple confirmation hit her like a thunderbolt. Clinging to one last thread of hope, she stammered, "But did we actually..." "Yes, we did," he replied firmly. Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the sudden silence. "Having regrets now?" His expression remained unreadable. She wrestled with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping with her direct superior? That was career suicide. "Well, Mr. Grant," she began carefully, "I was drunk last night and barely remember anything. We're both adults—can't we just forget this and go back to normal?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he studied her. "You're still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?" Catching sight of the hickeys she'd left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. "Then at least turn around so I can get dressed." Instead, he moved toward the bed, his weight making the mattress dip. Her breath caught as his handsome face loomed over hers. She tried to retreat, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. In their struggle, the sheet slipped to her waist. Skin met skin, sending tingles of electricity through her body. A shiver ran down her spine. "Mr. Grant—" Her protest died in her throat. Her heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made him more irresistible. "You said you couldn't remember anything," he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers. "Then let me refresh your memory." Her blush deepened as she tried to look anywhere but at him. A glimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well-equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible to contain. His masculine form pressed against her once more. His teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. "Mr. Grant!" She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her. Now fully sober, she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat—they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much longer, her colleagues would surely notice. But he seemed intent on taking his time. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Soon," he promised. She was losing her mind. Biting her lip, she fought to contain the embarrassing sounds threatening to escape. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by the sound of executives laughing in the hallway. "Mr. Grant, lunch is ready. We'll be departing for the office afterward," a voice called out. Joycelyn grabbed this chance like a lifeline. "Mr. Grant, we need to go. We can't be late, and it would be terrible if anyone found out." Her earlier boldness had vanished completely, replaced by panic. Frustration flickered across Ellison's features at the interruption. Rolling away, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a call. A ringtone sounded from the hallway. Taking advantage of the distraction, Joycelyn clutched the sheet to her chest. Spotting a white shopping bag with women's clothing beside the bed, she snatched it up and hurried to the bathroom. "Go ahead without me." He spoke into the phone. "I'll be down shortly." The voices outside soon faded away. Joycelyn dressed as quickly as possible, wincing slightly at her tender muscles. As she emerged, another phone rang in the room. Ellison was buckling his belt when he reached for it. "Yes?" Joycelyn froze in the bathroom doorway, noticing that was her phone in his hand. She lunged forward in panic, forgetting her soreness. Her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled. Still on the call, Ellison caught her effortlessly with one arm. "Hello?" He spoke into the phone. Joycelyn snatched it away, ending the call. Her stomach dropped as she saw the caller ID—Selene Whitmore. Meanwhile, in the hallway outside Joycelyn's room, Selene exchanged shocked looks with their coworkers. "Did a man just answer Joycelyn's phone?" She paused, eyes widening. "And that sexy voice... it sounded exactly like Mr. Grant." .............................................................................. Joycelyn stared at her vibrating phone, her nerves jangling as Selene's name flashed across the screen. She shot up like a startled rabbit, her usual composure shattering. "This is a disaster. They must be suspicious." Her typically clear head spun as she faced this unprecedented situation, her delicate features pinched with worry. Ellison extended his hand for her phone. "What are you doing?" Her face crumpled with alarm as she instinctively pulled back. "Let me handle it," he said, his deep voice brooking no argument. Though she resisted, his commanding presence made her fingers loosen their grip. "Just... don't say anything weird," she pleaded, watching with bated breath as he answered. "This is Ellison Grant. I found this phone last night and will have my assistant return it shortly." His gaze swept over her anxious face. "As for the owner..." Joycelyn's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, terrified that one wrong word would destroy her career. His deliberate pause had her muscles coiling with tension. Her eyes desperately telegraphed: 'Say something—anything!' Noting her distress, he deliberately prolonged the moment, privately amused by her reaction. His lips curved slightly as he continued smoothly, "I'm unaware of her whereabouts." Relief flooded through her. She'd narrowly escaped catastrophe. "I'll have the phone delivered to your colleague." After hanging up, he set it beside his own. "Okay, so when should I go downstairs?" She raised worried eyes to his. "Won't people notice?" Her cheeks burned with mortification. Already shy about romantic matters, sleeping with her boss made her want to crawl into a hole and disappear. He studied her expression carefully, maintaining his composure while she fidgeted. "Everyone's in the restaurant now. Wait here and leave later," he said calmly. "Okay." She perched on the bed's edge, twisting her fingers together. Without hesitation, he began dressing right in front of her. His model-worthy physique and chiseled features moved with practiced elegance. Each glimpse of him sent her heart racing. 'Selene wasn't wrong,' she thought. 'These cool, composed types really are something else behind closed doors.' "I'll take responsibility for this," he stated while fastening his buttons. Her head snapped up in surprise before she shook it vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not! We're both adults—this was mutual. You don't need to take it to heart." She was just an ordinary office worker fresh out of college, while he was a powerful and wealthy man—way out of her league. She repeated variations of "no need," her expression screaming resistance. His brow furrowed slightly. Her reaction made him wonder if he seemed like some villain forcing himself on an innocent girl. "But I'm serious," he emphasized. "So am I! Let's just never mention this again. My only request is that no one else finds out." She dropped her gaze to her feet, wilting under his intense stare. After studying her silently, he relented. "Fine. I'll head down first." "Mm-hmm." Her relief at his departure was palpable. He cast her a final glance before leaving with both phones. Alone at last, she flopped onto the bed with a groan, pummeling the comforter in frustration. "You've lost your mind, Joycelyn! Of all the men in the world, you had to sleep with Ellison?" After wallowing sufficiently, she reasoned enough time had passed for her colleagues to be downstairs. She washed her face, donned a mask, and carefully checked the hallway. Finding there was no one outside, she slipped out quietly, opting for the emergency stairs over the elevator. Linda Lorne stood by the stairwell, frowning as she watched Joycelyn emerge from Ellison's suite. After descending several flights, Joycelyn reached her room and quickly packed. She loaded her luggage onto the bus before heading to the dining hall. As a Fortune 500 powerhouse, Grant Group employed countless talented individuals. Though brilliant women filled its ranks, Joycelyn stood out. Her presence was like morning mist—ethereal, pure, refreshing—carrying an enigmatic grace that set her apart. Sharp-eyed Selene spotted her immediately. "Joycelyn, over here!" she called, waving enthusiastically. As Joycelyn returned the wave, she felt an intense gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she met Ellison's eyes. His sculpted profile and penetrating gaze—the same eyes that had devoured her the night before—sent her pulse racing. 'Why is he still at the entrance?' she wondered. 'Wasn't he supposed to be downstairs already?' "Sweetie, are you still drunk?" Selene asked, rushing over to link arms. "You're walking funny." "Oh, I twisted my ankle in these heels yesterday," Joycelyn mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. After last night's abandon and this morning's encore, her legs felt like jelly. "Hmm..." Selene's knowing smirk widened. "One night away and you're all shy like a blushing flower." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Don't tell me you got tipsy and jumped our Mr. Grant? That walk screams 'too many positions, too much fun.'" She had a sly grin plastered on her face, as if to say, "You can't fool me, I've got my eye on you." Joycelyn nearly collapsed at her friend's astute observation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed, her face flaming. "People can hear you!" Seeing Joycelyn's unusual embarrassment only encouraged Selene further. "Am I wrong? You got drunk, ran into our gorgeous boss, and thought 'I'm 26 and still haven't experienced a man.' Next thing you know..." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "That would explain why he answered your phone this morning!" Joycelyn's already scarlet face darkened further. Each of Selene's guesses hit frighteningly close to home. "That's ridiculous," she protested weakly. "What romance novel are you living in?" Noting Joycelyn's guilty yet defensive expression, Selene's grin widened. She spotted Ellison approaching, surrounded by executives. "If you won't tell me, I'll just ask Mr. Grant himself." Selene raised her hand in greeting. "Hi, Mr. Grant!" Joycelyn's heart stopped as she stared at the approaching Adonis, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She worried that if Selene brought it up, he would use the chance to expose their fling and make her "take responsibility." Her stomach dropped as she realized her carefully constructed denial was about to come crashing down. .............................................................................. "Last night—" Selene began, but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward, cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison. "Thank you for finding my phone, Mr. Grant," she interjected smoothly. "Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable. I can't tell you how grateful I am." Joycelyn's matter-of-fact attitude and effusive thanks over a mere phone made Selene's words die in her throat as she stared in confusion. "Just a small matter," Ellison murmured, his gaze flickering momentarily. "We shouldn't keep you from your meal. Please, go ahead, Mr. Grant." Joycelyn tugged Selene aside, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes. Her gaze locked with his, silently pleading for his discretion. After several long beats of eye contact, he moved toward the dining table without another word. Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath, her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments. Selene had intended to gossip, but she found herself completely captivated by Ellison's charm. "God, he's even more stunning up close," she sighed, watching him go. "Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star." A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn. "If your parents knew what was going on in your head, they'd probably blow a gasket!" "Whatever." Selene rolled her eyes. "Let's eat. I need to get home to my man." Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food-loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes, dropping all questions about the previous night. The retreat ended after lunch. While executives took their luxury cars, staff boarded the company bus. From her window seat, Joycelyn's thoughts drifted until Selene's squeal snapped her attention forward. "Look! Mr. Grant's Rolls-Royce is incredible." Selene pressed her face to the glass. "Why couldn't I be so lucky? I wouldn't mind snagging a guy that hot and rich!" Studying the million-dollar vehicle, Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds. Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother. Before the retreat, her family had attempted to set her up with a short, older man offering a hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift. She'd refused, hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts. Instead, the marriage pressure had only intensified. To delay the inevitable confrontation, Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home. Taking a steadying breath outside her door, she turned the key. The scene inside stopped her cold—her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch. "Who threw my things?" Joycelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Look who finally graced us with her presence," her stepsister Octavia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game. Joycelyn's stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down his cigarette on the balcony and stormed in, his palm cracking across her face. "We raised you, and this is how you repay us?" he roared. "We found you a good match with a generous offer, and you stood him up. Where were you? Out whoring around until this hour?" Only her mother's intervention prevented a second blow. The harsh slap left Joycelyn's cheek throbbing, her eyes wide with disbelief. For years, she'd endured their abuse and insults, surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month. Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle. Something inside her snapped. She swung her bag at his face with all her strength. "How dare you hit me! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me!" "Your father's dead!" Phineas stumbled back, spitting the words. "I'm your father now. If I hadn't pitied you and your mother, I wouldn't have taken in such worthless burdens." "You dare?" Ice crystallized in Joycelyn's voice as she stood tall, unflinching. "I worked my way through college with loans and part-time jobs. My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you. Who's the real burden here?" Her entire frame vibrated with rage. "You manipulated my mother into signing over my father's house. You'd be on the street without us!" The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering he'd caused. .............................................................................. "Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker. Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?" "God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods." Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?" Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family. "Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter. "Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room. "Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?" Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore." "Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed. "My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas. "Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!" Something died in Joycelyn's heart as she watched her mother's passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. "Don't worry, I'm going." Her defiance caught Phineas off guard. "And don't bother coming back!" he shouted at her retreating form. With no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the elevator. ***** Rain hammered the streets as Joycelyn came out. She plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame. Lightning split the sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father's life. Finding shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task. Her eyes burned from all the crying as she checked her phone—5% battery. 'They say God never closes a door without opening a window,' she thought bitterly. 'But my life's just one slammed door after another.' With a hollow laugh, she pulled up the company directory and found Ellison's contact. Her fingers moved before her brain could object, sending a message..[Mr. Grant, I'm Joycelyn Maynard. Does your marriage offer from this afternoon still stand?] The moment she hit send, self-loathing crashed over her. She'd rejected him twice today already; she had no reason to think he would agree to help her now. .............................................................................. Ellison stood by his grandmother's hospital bed, concern cracking his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the oxygen mask. His phone's vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen—his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He then sent a one-word response. [Yes.] The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up? We need to talk.] His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn't the worst option. She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery. 'If he comes, I'll marry him,' she decided. 'If not, be it.' As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother's fragile grasp caught him. "You stubborn boy," Isolde Grant whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you, Grandma. I've found someone—we're getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?" His voice held rare tenderness. Hope flickered in Isolde's tired eyes. "Really?" She struggled to sit up. Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. "Really. I'm going to get her now. You'll meet her in the morning. Rest now." "Promise you're not lying to me." "Never." The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite. After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out. "Mr. Grant, there's a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn't be safe for you to drive," the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave. "It's fine." Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lot. His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel, driving toward its destiny. Fierce wind battered Joycelyn's small frame beneath the bus shelter. She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real protection. Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain hammered the roof like buckshot while trees thrashed in the gale. Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car approached through the pouring rain. The Maybach pulled up smoothly. Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm's fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him—lost, hurt, like an abandoned kitten in the storm. "Get in," he said simply, taking her suitcase. His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered, swollen eyes meeting his. Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze. Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. "Inside. Now." She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip. The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against his chest. His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain. "Are you hurt?" she asked, voice tight with worry. "It's nothing." Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety. Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from chaos. "You must be injured. Let me look at your arm," she insisted, remembering the metallic crash. "Home first," he said curtly without much explanation. The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage. "Here we are." He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm. "Mr. Grant?" Her voice came congested from the cold. "Shouldn't we discuss terms?" She stood by the car door, her reddened eyes watching him with uncertainty. "Change your clothes first." He carried her suitcase and strode toward the elevator. She followed like a shadow, head down—worlds away from last night's bold drunk girl. He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him waiting for her. "State your terms," he said, authority rolling off him. "Or we do this my way." Sniffling, she spoke directly. "Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six months to a year. Separate bedrooms." Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, "You... you said you'd take responsibility." They both knew she had no leverage. "First three points accepted. We'll discuss divorce later." He tilted her chin up. "Explain the separate rooms." Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, "I want my own space, in case you... in case..." Her pale face flamed crimson as words failed. His subtle smile and rain-slicked hair radiated raw magnetism. "In case I want you, I come to your room?" His deep voice held dangerous promise. "Is that what you're trying to say?" .............................................................................. "Well, if there's a need, both of us should cooperate," Joycelyn murmured, her cheeks flushing pink. "Okay, let's go," Ellison said, his voice steady and sure. He turned and walked toward the elevator, Joycelyn trailing behind him, her heart pounding. As they stepped inside, Joycelyn kept her head down, her wet hair dripping onto the floor. She looked like a lost puppy, shivering and small behind his commanding presence. Despite his expensive suit being soaked and her broken suitcase in hand, Ellison maintained an air of calm composure as if nothing could ruffle him. Relief washed over her. He had pulled her out of despair, after all. No woman could resist being cared for in her darkest moments, even if they both had their own motives. "We're here," he announced as the elevator doors opened. He carried her suitcase out, glancing back at the girl, who still stood there, dazed. "Oh," she murmured, quickly following him. The villa was stunning, with cool gray tones that made the space feel crisp and refreshing, much like Ellison himself. Every detail was meticulously crafted, like a piece of art. She had never entered such a beautiful, spacious home before. "The guest room hasn't been used. I'll get you bedding from my room. Go take a shower and change your clothes," he said, handing the suitcase to her. His every word carried the authority of a superior. His voice was cool and commanding, brooking no argument. She didn't dare look at him, only nodding obediently. "Okay." She dragged the suitcase with its broken wheel into the guest room. The space boasted a new bed and sofa, far nicer than her small room at home. Clean and bright, it was several times larger than her previous space, with its own bathroom. She felt a flutter of excitement. Opening the suitcase, she froze. No wonder it felt so heavy—the broken case had let water seep in. All her clothes were soaked. She rummaged through everything, finding nothing wearable. "All wet?" he asked, looking at her suitcase. She bit her lip in frustration. "Yeah, I'll use a hairdryer later." "I'll get you something to wear," he said and left the room. She crouched on the floor, watching his soaked pant legs, her heart racing. Her skin felt hot enough to dry her wet clothes by body heat alone. As she gathered her clothes to wash, he returned with a black shirt. "Use my bathroom. There's no hot water or shower gel here," he said. She looked at the black shirt, lifting her wet face to reveal red, swollen eyes filled with timidity. She stood there gazing at him, clearly hesitating. "Don't catch a cold. I'll help wash your clothes," he said, tossing the shirt at her and scooping up everything from the suitcase. The strength difference between them was stark—she had struggled to lift them. Watching his wet figure, her face flushed deeper. Holding the black shirt, she hesitated but remembered his gentlemanly behavior. 'We're not even officially married yet,' she thought. 'He should still behave.' But she misjudged how men could be. Or perhaps Ellison misjudged his own limits. He put her clothes in the washing machine along with his shirt. Returning, he saw her cautiously moving toward his room. His clear eyes narrowed slightly. She entered the master bedroom in amazement. 'Money sure is good,' she thought. His bedroom alone was as big as a three-bedroom apartment. Unsure where the bathroom was, she stood there, dazed. Ellison approached from behind. As she pushed open the bathroom door, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her inside. The door closed with a soft click. She stood there wet and sticky, looking up at him in shock. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered. The previously composed man was now shirtless, standing in the bathroom with her. "To avoid catching a cold, we'll shower together," he said calmly, making her blush deeply. "No, you go first. I'll wait," she struggled to escape. Ellison, seeing her embarrassment, let go but lifted her onto the counter, standing close. "Embarrassed?" he asked. "No." She shook her head, water dripping from her hair onto her pale face, making her look soft and vulnerable. He cupped her face. "You bit and scratched me yesterday. Today, you'll wash me as punishment. Fair, right?" His deep voice in the quiet bathroom was mesmerizing. She blushed deeply, her eyes flickering over his bare chest. He had a perfect body, tall and well-built. Rainwater dripped from his hair, tracing the contours of his muscular frame, down his throat, and across his broad chest. She saw the bite mark she had left in retaliation for the pain he had caused her. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen a man so closely. She couldn't look away, her eyes lingering on his wet, defined abs, remembering the feel of his hard muscles. Her body grew hot. He took in her every expression. "Don't I look better without clothes? Hmm?" She covered her face with embarrassment. "I don't want to answer that." He carried her under the shower, the warm water making her already hot skin even hotter. He guided her hand to his pants. "Help me take them off."		Novel Yang Booming		113	https://www.facebook.com/100077426966140/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732057	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 11:54 PM	1740993497	1747112055		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764AF9B1500D9E07ACF38FDCC950A3220B8A			4.9823666336868E+14	Dreame TV	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481335892_1577879282728236_7267338630839094187_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dUZhDhBvlvIQ7kNvgGZiW-M&_nc_oc=Adj6pbo1OXKM4d6i-kVFFJYGTMDOfy87pS2Vs1I9kJ0yiVandXCfScLSVnnGvkCZuVy0SRmngVTPjts2ZFP0xu9o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYAZVoPQ9Fse12K1MSkxcaP09Sl6Jcf6teLGVp3LDUv0qA&oe=67CB2FE8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Dreame TV		73	https://www.facebook.com/61569251063289/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732261	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 3:01 AM	1740993501	1749196911		2747																										read.americanhealthjournal.org	Learn more			IMAGE	Harvard Exposes: 5 Nerve-Damaging “Toxins” Causing Neuropathy in Seniors Across the U.S.	THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL AND NOT AN ACTUAL ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE.DISCLAIMERThis website is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Visitors are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualifi...	https://trk.skatrk02.com/67b42a69b88b44fbc273aff9?v1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&v2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&v3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&v4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&v5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&v6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&v7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&v8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&utm_source=MD-fb-nerve&utm_medium=paid			5.817074150231E+14	Mandy Rogers	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481104270_1038152294831394_157432600185939905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WyV_qRDNoLEQ7kNvgE3nye4&_nc_oc=Adj44OeLwP1W0bD_6a6yROcPJyBmbdmCoc38dsunRDxGswOs1BP6UfjHvtcSZrWf5chgZT3pUFvlMdk6EkW-NS4p&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AWJ6lr5UTziQpBKFVIqpY7W&oh=00_AYDWiWVVetdVzWgXwyYf0WcBM_gNcuV_10ZofZcNWHijXg&oe=67CB544B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain forced me to watch my grandkids dance from my chair, until I discovered the “true” cause of my pain… Now just last month I danced through my grandson's entire wedding reception, from first song to last. "Grandma, why can't you dance with me anymore?" Little Emma's innocent question brought tears to my eyes that Sunday afternoon. The Burning in my feet was so intense, I could barely stand… Let alone dance with my precious granddaughter. It felt like I was Walking on Hot Coals... every single step pure agony. How do you explain to a 6-year-old that Grandma's feet feel like they're on fire? That the same feet that used to chase her around the yard, tend to my garden, and dance at family gatherings... were now betraying me? I smiled through the pain. "Just a little tired, sweetheart." But we both knew it wasn't that. The burning had started slowly – just a slight tingling at first. The kind you brush off, thinking it'll pass. Then came the numbness The thousands of needles The shooting pains Soon, I couldn't even walk to the mailbox without gripping my cane for dear life. But the worst moment? When I had to cancel hosting our weekly dinner because I couldn't stand long enough to cook anymore. The tone in my daughter's face when I called to cancel...that mixture of worry and pity... it broke something inside me. I tried everything the doctors recommended: Medications that left me feeling like a zombie The expensive creams that did nothing to help Even those special socks they said would help Nothing worked. The burning just kept getting worse. "This is just part of aging," they said. "You'll have to learn to live with it." But how do you "live with" feeling like your feet are being blow-torched every single day? How do you accept becoming a prisoner in your own home? Then one Sunday after church… I overheard my friend Martha talking about how Nerve Pain had nearly confined her to a wheelchair. I couldn't believe it – Martha, who now ran the church bake sale, who danced at her grandson's wedding last month… Had suffered from burning feet worse than mine? I cornered her after service, desperate for answers. "Oh honey," she said, seeing me lean heavily on my cane, "I know exactly what you're going through." What she told me next shocked me to my core... She explained how a neurologist had discovered that certain foods we eat every day were creating something called "toxic plaque" in our nerves. This plaque was literally suffocating our nerves from the inside out, causing that terrible burning sensation. "Karen," she said, lowering her voice, "Did you know that one of the most common breakfast foods is actually the worst culprit?" Then she told me about this weird “Pepper” Hack that was helping people flush out these nerve-destroying toxins. I was skeptical at first. After all, I'd tried eliminating everything from sugar to gluten... But Martha grabbed my hands and said something I'll never forget: "Before I learned about this, I was just like you - trapped in my rocking chair, missing out on life. Now look at me! The difference is understanding what's really happening to your nerves." That hit home hard. When she explained how this toxic plaque builds up over time, everything started making sense... Why the pain got progressively worse... Why normal treatments weren't working... Why doctors couldn't seem to help... So I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose? The first few days, I didn't notice much difference... But by the end of week one, something changed. I realized I'd made it through an entire day without reaching for my pain pills. Then I noticed I could feel the carpet under my feet again. By week three, the constant burning had reduced so much, I actually slept through the night for the first time in months. But the real miracle? Last weekend, when Emma ran up to me asking for our special dance... I was able to take her little hands and twirl her around the living room, without fear, without pain, and without my cane. The look of pure joy on her face – being able to dance with my granddaughter again – I couldn't hold back the tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. My husband says I'm like a different person now. My daughter can't believe the change. And me? I feel like I've gotten my life back. I can garden again. I can cook again. I can be the grandmother I want to be. I'm sharing this because I know there are others out there suffering like I was. Watching their independence slip away... Living in constant fear of every step... Missing precious moments with their family... If that's you, please know there's hope. I've shared a link below to article that explains everything. It's a short read, but it might just change your life like it changed mine. Don't let burning feet steal any more precious moments with your family. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Take Care and God Bless		Mandy Rogers		3085	https://www.facebook.com/61572661484060/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731955	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 3:04 AM	1740993495	1749197070		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481118046_627269160005256_9067227855649948893_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3dqIO9BPZAIQ7kNvgHBRIzz&_nc_oc=Adjm1yAgVqDHntfl5M_SgmtDtYHkBu0tTgpzmr5FimGw3xsEATGbiFp6tfJwA3Prz8ZQQGo5wQ3kOVVtdAi1-Nh7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYDcr36LXn91kfg5OmsYYLuMuosMDMkoUZmCistKKZLdCA&oe=67CB2D36	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731943	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 9:36 PM	1740993495	1746326189		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764AB5CC64D24CD4375F2178CA0B20085FB8			1.0394825906936E+14	Enjoy Read Now	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480830571_4053495131601853_9157617314632418706_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F5Wma4mUthoQ7kNvgH7JHhK&_nc_oc=Adjydc1vSMVCWUT0GqJjTnbuYoDGvAPb94ye43O3HxqcTJH2T68CITqm_Cj9qiB4ADTjbPOMNYk1gkSR0MIr1Vl4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYAxgKViSasVf_W7G6xDAJDtRE_OKmnuuKCe9p6_BoYvQA&oe=67CB4C8B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Enjoy Read Now		23998	https://www.facebook.com/100083816409996/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732263	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 9:44 PM	1740993501	1746326656		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman.		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846823%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480980277_1001479691911456_8454091971498346159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GwrQcm3PyesQ7kNvgHP-TML&_nc_oc=AdiIjRcr0tXIKFzcOI_3N_2Mna2GCEP5yRwWRk9h1l5BKP9fkhR0tNRdWVv8LjaG8DnLdDXUaMxE6LYn3JaQ7eCD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYDSgrahwIgJut-ie8fTQgNOtrARdHgw5IWsGsVbF2-KOg&oe=67CB4365	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732255	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 9:47 PM	1740993501	1746326824		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman.		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846829%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481126617_9364433373613734_1882627966156884988_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PdDaOgl5emUQ7kNvgH_ScKj&_nc_oc=Adi4Qa3cPa_aCoJo8cl8jkZyWpiRo8uoMRZ_ao7cBXxJTNvtROmrZuDMQ4tP3PJCBsGvFNVnG4OCJgFFHds_je6P&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZ4MQjKNB3wXiPM7MzpjH24&oh=00_AYD0c7LgbKN5PVttPsZMzGC5mp_AtsBZ3v27_nNa2iTO4g&oe=67CB4DDD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731753	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 9:49 PM	1740993491	1746326988		2747																										www.novel-oasis.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules📜		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/fwjibt1jfi3mkphu4rk4uebe?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217146022620690&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0044243922423E+14	Novel Yang Booming	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481084132_9516711131757590_1205201290034139779_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ocj-DqfH_-8Q7kNvgGp0jyT&_nc_oc=AdhFdkHZ_OLWRoxPs77m-1S5-Yu-ojirreKQa-6x-EMn2MvgHZp7OK0KxcweAYEoPVEticHQEefP_YKf4vIX6PnC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYClhQG8BZYNubh6ckBFqRUBie-o-T7awEBJ_rDCyL6XBw&oe=67CB31CD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat. Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. 'Does this mean... I'm gonna be fired?' she wondered. Ellison Grant's piercing gaze met hers. "We're getting married. I'll take responsibility." Her mind went blank. 'Since when did successful men become so old-fashioned? One night together, and he's already talking marriage?' she thought. ***** "Joycelyn, you're now twenty-six. Don't tell me you're still a virgin?" The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn's mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall. Having never been kissed, she'd dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming intoxication. Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung inward. Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow. Joycelyn blinked in confusion. 'Why is he in my room?' she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. 'This has to be a dream.' "Is there something on my face?" His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire. "Mhmm." The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy. Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore's whispered words. "A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed," Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life. Joycelyn's tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. 'If I can't have him in real life,' she thought, 'at least I can enjoy this dream.' She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. "Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky." Her lips curved into a playful smile. "Care to test that theory?" The air crackled between them as their eyes locked. Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control slipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. "Is this what you want? Huh?" he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yes," she breathed, the word barely a whisper. Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close, his features were even more striking than the glimpses she'd caught at the office. She found herself tracing every perfect line with her gaze—from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted lips. Her expression shifted from seductive to innocent as their eyes met again. The way she looked at him—he knew exactly what was going on. In one fluid motion, he took control, pressing her against the wall. His fingers guided her hand to his belt, his voice husky with restraint. "Help me with this." Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise. Her heart thundered in her chest. The kiss was both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his buttons and zipper, following his lead. Perhaps because she believed it was a dream, there was no pain—only pleasure. Under his gentle guidance, she even found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender and skilled, though his stamina proved overwhelming. ***** The next morning, Joycelyn drifted between sleep and wakefulness as footsteps approached. 'Why does this dream feel so real?' she wondered, her brow furrowing as Ellison's voice reached her ears. Reality crashed in as she opened her eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V-line disappearing beneath white terry cloth. Memories of the night before flooded her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away just as quickly. "Mr. Grant! Why are you here?" She clutched the sheets tighter. "Last night, we... we..." The words stuck in her throat as his eyes studied her flustered expression. "What exactly are you trying to ask?" He was curious. "I mean, last night, did we..." Her tongue tied itself in knots. "We did." His simple confirmation hit her like a thunderbolt. Clinging to one last thread of hope, she stammered, "But did we actually..." "Yes, we did," he replied firmly. Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the sudden silence. "Having regrets now?" His expression remained unreadable. She wrestled with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping with her direct superior? That was career suicide. "Well, Mr. Grant," she began carefully, "I was drunk last night and barely remember anything. We're both adults—can't we just forget this and go back to normal?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he studied her. "You're still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?" Catching sight of the hickeys she'd left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. "Then at least turn around so I can get dressed." Instead, he moved toward the bed, his weight making the mattress dip. Her breath caught as his handsome face loomed over hers. She tried to retreat, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. In their struggle, the sheet slipped to her waist. Skin met skin, sending tingles of electricity through her body. A shiver ran down her spine. "Mr. Grant—" Her protest died in her throat. Her heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made him more irresistible. "You said you couldn't remember anything," he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers. "Then let me refresh your memory." Her blush deepened as she tried to look anywhere but at him. A glimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well-equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible to contain. His masculine form pressed against her once more. His teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. "Mr. Grant!" She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her. Now fully sober, she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat—they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much longer, her colleagues would surely notice. But he seemed intent on taking his time. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Soon," he promised. She was losing her mind. Biting her lip, she fought to contain the embarrassing sounds threatening to escape. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by the sound of executives laughing in the hallway. "Mr. Grant, lunch is ready. We'll be departing for the office afterward," a voice called out. Joycelyn grabbed this chance like a lifeline. "Mr. Grant, we need to go. We can't be late, and it would be terrible if anyone found out." Her earlier boldness had vanished completely, replaced by panic. Frustration flickered across Ellison's features at the interruption. Rolling away, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a call. A ringtone sounded from the hallway. Taking advantage of the distraction, Joycelyn clutched the sheet to her chest. Spotting a white shopping bag with women's clothing beside the bed, she snatched it up and hurried to the bathroom. "Go ahead without me." He spoke into the phone. "I'll be down shortly." The voices outside soon faded away. Joycelyn dressed as quickly as possible, wincing slightly at her tender muscles. As she emerged, another phone rang in the room. Ellison was buckling his belt when he reached for it. "Yes?" Joycelyn froze in the bathroom doorway, noticing that was her phone in his hand. She lunged forward in panic, forgetting her soreness. Her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled. Still on the call, Ellison caught her effortlessly with one arm. "Hello?" He spoke into the phone. Joycelyn snatched it away, ending the call. Her stomach dropped as she saw the caller ID—Selene Whitmore. Meanwhile, in the hallway outside Joycelyn's room, Selene exchanged shocked looks with their coworkers. "Did a man just answer Joycelyn's phone?" She paused, eyes widening. "And that sexy voice... it sounded exactly like Mr. Grant." .............................................................................. Joycelyn stared at her vibrating phone, her nerves jangling as Selene's name flashed across the screen. She shot up like a startled rabbit, her usual composure shattering. "This is a disaster. They must be suspicious." Her typically clear head spun as she faced this unprecedented situation, her delicate features pinched with worry. Ellison extended his hand for her phone. "What are you doing?" Her face crumpled with alarm as she instinctively pulled back. "Let me handle it," he said, his deep voice brooking no argument. Though she resisted, his commanding presence made her fingers loosen their grip. "Just... don't say anything weird," she pleaded, watching with bated breath as he answered. "This is Ellison Grant. I found this phone last night and will have my assistant return it shortly." His gaze swept over her anxious face. "As for the owner..." Joycelyn's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, terrified that one wrong word would destroy her career. His deliberate pause had her muscles coiling with tension. Her eyes desperately telegraphed: 'Say something—anything!' Noting her distress, he deliberately prolonged the moment, privately amused by her reaction. His lips curved slightly as he continued smoothly, "I'm unaware of her whereabouts." Relief flooded through her. She'd narrowly escaped catastrophe. "I'll have the phone delivered to your colleague." After hanging up, he set it beside his own. "Okay, so when should I go downstairs?" She raised worried eyes to his. "Won't people notice?" Her cheeks burned with mortification. Already shy about romantic matters, sleeping with her boss made her want to crawl into a hole and disappear. He studied her expression carefully, maintaining his composure while she fidgeted. "Everyone's in the restaurant now. Wait here and leave later," he said calmly. "Okay." She perched on the bed's edge, twisting her fingers together. Without hesitation, he began dressing right in front of her. His model-worthy physique and chiseled features moved with practiced elegance. Each glimpse of him sent her heart racing. 'Selene wasn't wrong,' she thought. 'These cool, composed types really are something else behind closed doors.' "I'll take responsibility for this," he stated while fastening his buttons. Her head snapped up in surprise before she shook it vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not! We're both adults—this was mutual. You don't need to take it to heart." She was just an ordinary office worker fresh out of college, while he was a powerful and wealthy man—way out of her league. She repeated variations of "no need," her expression screaming resistance. His brow furrowed slightly. Her reaction made him wonder if he seemed like some villain forcing himself on an innocent girl. "But I'm serious," he emphasized. "So am I! Let's just never mention this again. My only request is that no one else finds out." She dropped her gaze to her feet, wilting under his intense stare. After studying her silently, he relented. "Fine. I'll head down first." "Mm-hmm." Her relief at his departure was palpable. He cast her a final glance before leaving with both phones. Alone at last, she flopped onto the bed with a groan, pummeling the comforter in frustration. "You've lost your mind, Joycelyn! Of all the men in the world, you had to sleep with Ellison?" After wallowing sufficiently, she reasoned enough time had passed for her colleagues to be downstairs. She washed her face, donned a mask, and carefully checked the hallway. Finding there was no one outside, she slipped out quietly, opting for the emergency stairs over the elevator. Linda Lorne stood by the stairwell, frowning as she watched Joycelyn emerge from Ellison's suite. After descending several flights, Joycelyn reached her room and quickly packed. She loaded her luggage onto the bus before heading to the dining hall. As a Fortune 500 powerhouse, Grant Group employed countless talented individuals. Though brilliant women filled its ranks, Joycelyn stood out. Her presence was like morning mist—ethereal, pure, refreshing—carrying an enigmatic grace that set her apart. Sharp-eyed Selene spotted her immediately. "Joycelyn, over here!" she called, waving enthusiastically. As Joycelyn returned the wave, she felt an intense gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she met Ellison's eyes. His sculpted profile and penetrating gaze—the same eyes that had devoured her the night before—sent her pulse racing. 'Why is he still at the entrance?' she wondered. 'Wasn't he supposed to be downstairs already?' "Sweetie, are you still drunk?" Selene asked, rushing over to link arms. "You're walking funny." "Oh, I twisted my ankle in these heels yesterday," Joycelyn mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. After last night's abandon and this morning's encore, her legs felt like jelly. "Hmm..." Selene's knowing smirk widened. "One night away and you're all shy like a blushing flower." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Don't tell me you got tipsy and jumped our Mr. Grant? That walk screams 'too many positions, too much fun.'" She had a sly grin plastered on her face, as if to say, "You can't fool me, I've got my eye on you." Joycelyn nearly collapsed at her friend's astute observation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed, her face flaming. "People can hear you!" Seeing Joycelyn's unusual embarrassment only encouraged Selene further. "Am I wrong? You got drunk, ran into our gorgeous boss, and thought 'I'm 26 and still haven't experienced a man.' Next thing you know..." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "That would explain why he answered your phone this morning!" Joycelyn's already scarlet face darkened further. Each of Selene's guesses hit frighteningly close to home. "That's ridiculous," she protested weakly. "What romance novel are you living in?" Noting Joycelyn's guilty yet defensive expression, Selene's grin widened. She spotted Ellison approaching, surrounded by executives. "If you won't tell me, I'll just ask Mr. Grant himself." Selene raised her hand in greeting. "Hi, Mr. Grant!" Joycelyn's heart stopped as she stared at the approaching Adonis, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She worried that if Selene brought it up, he would use the chance to expose their fling and make her "take responsibility." Her stomach dropped as she realized her carefully constructed denial was about to come crashing down. .............................................................................. "Last night—" Selene began, but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward, cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison. "Thank you for finding my phone, Mr. Grant," she interjected smoothly. "Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable. I can't tell you how grateful I am." Joycelyn's matter-of-fact attitude and effusive thanks over a mere phone made Selene's words die in her throat as she stared in confusion. "Just a small matter," Ellison murmured, his gaze flickering momentarily. "We shouldn't keep you from your meal. Please, go ahead, Mr. Grant." Joycelyn tugged Selene aside, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes. Her gaze locked with his, silently pleading for his discretion. After several long beats of eye contact, he moved toward the dining table without another word. Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath, her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments. Selene had intended to gossip, but she found herself completely captivated by Ellison's charm. "God, he's even more stunning up close," she sighed, watching him go. "Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star." A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn. "If your parents knew what was going on in your head, they'd probably blow a gasket!" "Whatever." Selene rolled her eyes. "Let's eat. I need to get home to my man." Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food-loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes, dropping all questions about the previous night. The retreat ended after lunch. While executives took their luxury cars, staff boarded the company bus. From her window seat, Joycelyn's thoughts drifted until Selene's squeal snapped her attention forward. "Look! Mr. Grant's Rolls-Royce is incredible." Selene pressed her face to the glass. "Why couldn't I be so lucky? I wouldn't mind snagging a guy that hot and rich!" Studying the million-dollar vehicle, Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds. Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother. Before the retreat, her family had attempted to set her up with a short, older man offering a hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift. She'd refused, hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts. Instead, the marriage pressure had only intensified. To delay the inevitable confrontation, Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home. Taking a steadying breath outside her door, she turned the key. The scene inside stopped her cold—her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch. "Who threw my things?" Joycelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Look who finally graced us with her presence," her stepsister Octavia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game. Joycelyn's stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down his cigarette on the balcony and stormed in, his palm cracking across her face. "We raised you, and this is how you repay us?" he roared. "We found you a good match with a generous offer, and you stood him up. Where were you? Out whoring around until this hour?" Only her mother's intervention prevented a second blow. The harsh slap left Joycelyn's cheek throbbing, her eyes wide with disbelief. For years, she'd endured their abuse and insults, surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month. Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle. Something inside her snapped. She swung her bag at his face with all her strength. "How dare you hit me! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me!" "Your father's dead!" Phineas stumbled back, spitting the words. "I'm your father now. If I hadn't pitied you and your mother, I wouldn't have taken in such worthless burdens." "You dare?" Ice crystallized in Joycelyn's voice as she stood tall, unflinching. "I worked my way through college with loans and part-time jobs. My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you. Who's the real burden here?" Her entire frame vibrated with rage. "You manipulated my mother into signing over my father's house. You'd be on the street without us!" The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering he'd caused. .............................................................................. "Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker. Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?" "God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods." Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?" Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family. "Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter. "Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room. "Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?" Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore." "Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed. "My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas. "Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!" Something died in Joycelyn's heart as she watched her mother's passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. "Don't worry, I'm going." Her defiance caught Phineas off guard. "And don't bother coming back!" he shouted at her retreating form. With no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the elevator. ***** Rain hammered the streets as Joycelyn came out. She plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame. Lightning split the sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father's life. Finding shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task. Her eyes burned from all the crying as she checked her phone—5% battery. 'They say God never closes a door without opening a window,' she thought bitterly. 'But my life's just one slammed door after another.' With a hollow laugh, she pulled up the company directory and found Ellison's contact. Her fingers moved before her brain could object, sending a message..[Mr. Grant, I'm Joycelyn Maynard. Does your marriage offer from this afternoon still stand?] The moment she hit send, self-loathing crashed over her. She'd rejected him twice today already; she had no reason to think he would agree to help her now. .............................................................................. Ellison stood by his grandmother's hospital bed, concern cracking his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the oxygen mask. His phone's vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen—his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He then sent a one-word response. [Yes.] The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up? We need to talk.] His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn't the worst option. She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery. 'If he comes, I'll marry him,' she decided. 'If not, be it.' As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother's fragile grasp caught him. "You stubborn boy," Isolde Grant whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you, Grandma. I've found someone—we're getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?" His voice held rare tenderness. Hope flickered in Isolde's tired eyes. "Really?" She struggled to sit up. Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. "Really. I'm going to get her now. You'll meet her in the morning. Rest now." "Promise you're not lying to me." "Never." The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite. After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out. "Mr. Grant, there's a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn't be safe for you to drive," the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave. "It's fine." Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lot. His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel, driving toward its destiny. Fierce wind battered Joycelyn's small frame beneath the bus shelter. She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real protection. Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain hammered the roof like buckshot while trees thrashed in the gale. Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car approached through the pouring rain. The Maybach pulled up smoothly. Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm's fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him—lost, hurt, like an abandoned kitten in the storm. "Get in," he said simply, taking her suitcase. His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered, swollen eyes meeting his. Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze. Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. "Inside. Now." She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip. The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against his chest. His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain. "Are you hurt?" she asked, voice tight with worry. "It's nothing." Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety. Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from chaos. "You must be injured. Let me look at your arm," she insisted, remembering the metallic crash. "Home first," he said curtly without much explanation. The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage. "Here we are." He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm. "Mr. Grant?" Her voice came congested from the cold. "Shouldn't we discuss terms?" She stood by the car door, her reddened eyes watching him with uncertainty. "Change your clothes first." He carried her suitcase and strode toward the elevator. She followed like a shadow, head down—worlds away from last night's bold drunk girl. He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him waiting for her. "State your terms," he said, authority rolling off him. "Or we do this my way." Sniffling, she spoke directly. "Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six months to a year. Separate bedrooms." Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, "You... you said you'd take responsibility." They both knew she had no leverage. "First three points accepted. We'll discuss divorce later." He tilted her chin up. "Explain the separate rooms." Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, "I want my own space, in case you... in case..." Her pale face flamed crimson as words failed. His subtle smile and rain-slicked hair radiated raw magnetism. "In case I want you, I come to your room?" His deep voice held dangerous promise. "Is that what you're trying to say?" .............................................................................. "Well, if there's a need, both of us should cooperate," Joycelyn murmured, her cheeks flushing pink. "Okay, let's go," Ellison said, his voice steady and sure. He turned and walked toward the elevator, Joycelyn trailing behind him, her heart pounding. As they stepped inside, Joycelyn kept her head down, her wet hair dripping onto the floor. She looked like a lost puppy, shivering and small behind his commanding presence. Despite his expensive suit being soaked and her broken suitcase in hand, Ellison maintained an air of calm composure as if nothing could ruffle him. Relief washed over her. He had pulled her out of despair, after all. No woman could resist being cared for in her darkest moments, even if they both had their own motives. "We're here," he announced as the elevator doors opened. He carried her suitcase out, glancing back at the girl, who still stood there, dazed. "Oh," she murmured, quickly following him. The villa was stunning, with cool gray tones that made the space feel crisp and refreshing, much like Ellison himself. Every detail was meticulously crafted, like a piece of art. She had never entered such a beautiful, spacious home before. "The guest room hasn't been used. I'll get you bedding from my room. Go take a shower and change your clothes," he said, handing the suitcase to her. His every word carried the authority of a superior. His voice was cool and commanding, brooking no argument. She didn't dare look at him, only nodding obediently. "Okay." She dragged the suitcase with its broken wheel into the guest room. The space boasted a new bed and sofa, far nicer than her small room at home. Clean and bright, it was several times larger than her previous space, with its own bathroom. She felt a flutter of excitement. Opening the suitcase, she froze. No wonder it felt so heavy—the broken case had let water seep in. All her clothes were soaked. She rummaged through everything, finding nothing wearable. "All wet?" he asked, looking at her suitcase. She bit her lip in frustration. "Yeah, I'll use a hairdryer later." "I'll get you something to wear," he said and left the room. She crouched on the floor, watching his soaked pant legs, her heart racing. Her skin felt hot enough to dry her wet clothes by body heat alone. As she gathered her clothes to wash, he returned with a black shirt. "Use my bathroom. There's no hot water or shower gel here," he said. She looked at the black shirt, lifting her wet face to reveal red, swollen eyes filled with timidity. She stood there gazing at him, clearly hesitating. "Don't catch a cold. I'll help wash your clothes," he said, tossing the shirt at her and scooping up everything from the suitcase. The strength difference between them was stark—she had struggled to lift them. Watching his wet figure, her face flushed deeper. Holding the black shirt, she hesitated but remembered his gentlemanly behavior. 'We're not even officially married yet,' she thought. 'He should still behave.' But she misjudged how men could be. Or perhaps Ellison misjudged his own limits. He put her clothes in the washing machine along with his shirt. Returning, he saw her cautiously moving toward his room. His clear eyes narrowed slightly. She entered the master bedroom in amazement. 'Money sure is good,' she thought. His bedroom alone was as big as a three-bedroom apartment. Unsure where the bathroom was, she stood there, dazed. Ellison approached from behind. As she pushed open the bathroom door, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her inside. The door closed with a soft click. She stood there wet and sticky, looking up at him in shock. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered. The previously composed man was now shirtless, standing in the bathroom with her. "To avoid catching a cold, we'll shower together," he said calmly, making her blush deeply. "No, you go first. I'll wait," she struggled to escape. Ellison, seeing her embarrassment, let go but lifted her onto the counter, standing close. "Embarrassed?" he asked. "No." She shook her head, water dripping from her hair onto her pale face, making her look soft and vulnerable. He cupped her face. "You bit and scratched me yesterday. Today, you'll wash me as punishment. Fair, right?" His deep voice in the quiet bathroom was mesmerizing. She blushed deeply, her eyes flickering over his bare chest. He had a perfect body, tall and well-built. Rainwater dripped from his hair, tracing the contours of his muscular frame, down his throat, and across his broad chest. She saw the bite mark she had left in retaliation for the pain he had caused her. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen a man so closely. She couldn't look away, her eyes lingering on his wet, defined abs, remembering the feel of his hard muscles. Her body grew hot. He took in her every expression. "Don't I look better without clothes? Hmm?" She covered her face with embarrassment. "I don't want to answer that." He carried her under the shower, the warm water making her already hot skin even hotter. He guided her hand to his pants. "Help me take them off."		Novel Yang Booming		113	https://www.facebook.com/100077426966140/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731810	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 2:29 AM	1740993492	1747121353		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=88AC938DD8550581122CB69BE57089C8AEC5399FFEC6DF30			3.4007642920014E+14	Ron	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482024157_1177440034086500_8862604251009571509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LHUa1_WhhuEQ7kNvgH1wDPk&_nc_oc=AdiSamr8ngJtqpu0L5x0orOlnz_25OHlNcNWx_zJLEelBSdJj77RI3WY0QOjwwmmu6OVWQqQRhwyWVt1OwfJgvKq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYDUS6FUXh_XHDjBfZRpUQwKDxrwlE0AqaBFRTQOXKHW_g&oe=67CB4960	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Ron		4664	https://www.facebook.com/61564769759571/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731618	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 9:02 AM	1740993488	1749218559		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480878352_873248684943137_511779905435930061_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YRncPgGAkJoQ7kNvgEJbkho&_nc_oc=AdgWCkoFtSJLVytayCcE0cVTpCk0o2REzwg0vwN04kDSt3E9r2CRal_7mZIfo-_YrN51qLSPxASzLaliasodfeFN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYB8WLwgGHmJ1CJnkVPjkGsuYN17DwB-CqCWaBJXxsYdCA&oe=67CB54D2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731638	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:18 AM	1740993488	1749215886		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Watch more episodes👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057855.html?language=en&timestamp=1739262620902&channelCode=DLLPF1057855&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			2.4897603162939E+14	Maggie sharing	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275118_1313173299906882_5524904520809032266_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vj5kqJfZIg8Q7kNvgFA-VQZ&_nc_oc=AdjBFN3n1RCzf2wbyoFZFHdKwcQh2Vg0UdL9dU0j4T6F5BhxMMOS8Bz-t98XdZGYmmcYpWBUGVjkkAmlVGvbjR2A&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYAzxNdY3Zy-_x69A4u_QrCym12bZq3hiTuCmvBr1hMJHw&oe=67CB50FA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		Maggie sharing		95801	https://www.facebook.com/61556715931577/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731956	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:39 AM	1740993495	1749217196		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480784513_1411330559849200_7892994038820191902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eJGrrpmt90UQ7kNvgHfBBrF&_nc_oc=AdjLsigBKCXN6wY2CQSXFIzAjXoYzwb9zbTUfMSK2fw5JkN8gfzjWI_pdXUmZECyqVyg3Try4IDXL--FronWnGGV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYAXRVqLFwXNMa-CjSpbVXQXy_FYliGr8FSo9d6JZ46A2g&oe=67CB3E33	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731811	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 11:06 PM	1740993492	1746331570		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481821484_1147064679966694_788004949421522161_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ho6nAjc1WrEQ7kNvgFlvcUa&_nc_oc=AdgwtHKgq34yvNGJdmFbHYw2xFXnh0i7CvqZW8Gf0a1XCZfFNMYzbxCw8dOxUGbnXjkUpjZNukh3ymEYEGe81ZX5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYA3BBkaQm06Os-FgefSahF13sSRVp59iZNjigZXCQUCWg&oe=67CB332F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Reelshort-Video stories		618217	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732036	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 12:09 PM	1740993497	1749229748		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=DBA5B0CFC69BB0FE356B7C470A5F7C3E80CA119434C2C999			3.9131869407293E+14	MoboReels	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480928683_518262470905810_3725984361715316433_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QH6FXuF_ZnsQ7kNvgH5iyHL&_nc_oc=AdhOgpsaNDg_QeKLSyeFHaCd_esELwb-LcdKWwVGfns6Bs0Cvs0B5LYI3b38g8Z5rwboLE85jdsrEDHFL2yp8epk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYAHq0GIVSQ0XHOKDwMR5geXB2QVZCVjqwuekwIFsu3crg&oe=67CB2C4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		MoboReels		44	https://www.facebook.com/61565866059965/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732190	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 11:19 PM	1740993500	1746332371		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			VIDEO			http://instagram.com/quentinseewer			1.0811076744626E+14	quentinseewer_music	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481666327_566652279744671_9092357531091919509_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sC6Ugya2CQUQ7kNvgHY0E4N&_nc_oc=AdgujfiLCDgE8IBtim9pR5GYm0-rjCx-qQRToR1VzzZDFPb7ZFSH07SOWl5illQXPU3UnNA_34mXx-1gWKbPaCdK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYBJZLHvSzDyLrDhyrYFzyk6r6F7UXPbVNOTkv65a2UybQ&oe=67CB54BE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Tried my hand at ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’ by @rileyduckman and @ellalangleymusic on the pedal steel! Still learning, but having a blast with this instrument. What do you think? #countrymusic #pedalsteel #rileygreen #ellalangley		quentinseewer_music		1	https://www.facebook.com/100081038767914/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731481	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 10:05 AM	1740993485	1749222323		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481136865_411597888702820_1089767704975424346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4o-ZU18qHj4Q7kNvgGFQ7jB&_nc_oc=AdhhFsMOn1HOf7eEcCQjDG_RoALPcPEW_0PGVM3FwkEcwqsY0g3LrwwV5z1_gEvc3NKtblEVlxg3Aobx2sPyIVu2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYC9M10UKIgsDolQEMT4Bm0vbM92tEJxQJvZQCat1jK4nw&oe=67CB2717	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732290	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 10:46 PM	1740993502	1746330381		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480897864_1877253943102291_438538264344014199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zjvoFvRCASoQ7kNvgHG0k4k&_nc_oc=Adj_qBOXLzXMes61g4JXqbcRHdb15qmTiP9gsZAa_SpRxeOkBHHQMD-xVnVhHp99fHVUPFSY21GGW0DBY16YFYbl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBr-xbDVzlK6duRsYDuWXHdyzY9inuP4Pm_7YvEuzkgxg&oe=67CB443A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732282	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:07 AM	1740993502	1746335253		2747																										edcrfvgroup.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥「Mi esposo pandillero me mima hasta el paraíso」 exclusivamente en GoodShort TV👉👉👉		https://edcrfvgroup.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18960&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.2820158038384E+14	GoodShort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481017386_1370891100590757_2108782483566214959_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nvfpjPn-oQwQ7kNvgGKGp_M&_nc_oc=AdhTPKr_kXGVzNoKFRNvMhB5iL9sZrld7RZ86ImXpXEn0sEhbzAnf78QCmBZcQDdJFTEak0JMP53ON8zIjFu_RtA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCSeISo7qJFGZzf0EhnqaPFFwlxXStOYL0JWJv58TaI2Q&oe=67CB4DBC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞⁉️Con un padre adicto al juego, una madre postrada en cama y montañas de deudas, acepté un trabajo en un club solo para sobrevivir. Por casualidad, me crucé con un jefe mafioso drogadicto. Pero nunca imaginé que terminaría embarazada de su hijo... #GoodShort		GoodShort		534160	https://www.facebook.com/61556764381923/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731812	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:08 AM	1740993492	1746335280		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=88AC938DD8550581533513C273534D0D31BD846E9194AAC4			3.4007642920014E+14	Ron	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481903515_944248424549859_6851394841483341524_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CnRV358sI7QQ7kNvgEVhOtZ&_nc_oc=AdgZfmV65OfLR_ilx-HeWEkkycfwMYzubM_OjRNpDd5Ra7ljcKZg0dp9qolU0_B6rRQkcCBJ237j-IXEM6MV0mcC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYD7Zx7FFXETEgJ-j4n8DAtnPyMrCN3x154Ij2INulWN1A&oe=67CB38FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Ron		4664	https://www.facebook.com/61564769759571/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732239	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:06 AM	1740993501	1746335193		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481768867_1322505968808473_2952224871518354993_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Kjg9JdgqTzwQ7kNvgEHSD0i&_nc_oc=Adi9mt-5vEmwMYz9mxqQcB9NV_IDAK6BOYrt0W0Oit-KYgXd0AAWJOrW-ReASllmR7EJ_X3tDmywQ1IgQxh8J2Im&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCLYG_9f597PYFNxYeGXuXaDZeJXG0Gqd_XhUsHOyWKuw&oe=67CB3EA2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731465	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 4:24 AM	1740993484	1749115472		2747																										teamotionstea.com	Learn More			DCO	Restore Emotional Balance With These Teas 💕	{{product.description}}	http://teamotionstea.com/			98343106690	Teamotions	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481223818_527140257080926_4908496502513619487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=esMKmuHoiQMQ7kNvgH7nVxO&_nc_oc=AdgrbCInaLWHc3-J4Rrkp8xLhWrCMagtYA-qVGHcWuZaNLBIZeRwMR14wSTX1zmyzjAoFuENRDK26xzucb1myGCx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBMjoCB5jF0plZ6XyfpYTtuGw-sGu4x38XQK_17DWRvHw&oe=67CB554A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Ready to meet a tea that does more? At Teamotions, we believe every sip should support your wellness journey. Our teas aren't ordinary. With unique blends containing superfoods and adaptogens, Teamotions offers more than a delicious and comforting sip. Our brews, enhanced with powerful ancient herbs, provide a therapeutic, positive and lifting effect in every cup. Each Teamotions tea is a carefully crafted blend, designed to promote emotional health and help support you with any feeling you may be having. ⚕ Mood Enhancement ⚕ Improve Mental Focus ⚕ Stress Relief ⚕ Promote Relaxation ⚕ And Much More! Witness the power of our purposeful blends. Experience the decrease in stress, the return of mental clarity, and the harmony to your bodily systems. Step into the world of Teamotions. Learn More by clicking below 👇 https://teamotionstea.com/		Teamotions		11935	https://www.facebook.com/Teamotions/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732072	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 11:37 PM	1740993498	1746333464		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919704CAEC8BF19C2D9DBFA8B3CB981EFF490			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481076792_1348272886213267_3303410695919847526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4hGkXIEWPrQQ7kNvgFnK5Tf&_nc_oc=AdiG6wOD6HgV0_ecC5PbYY3IlhEbTGh5Co70OHsrN_ZV3HZVbhS1bd15zWs6pm8faqh4uzb9OCVMoW0G_UkRedDp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYC6NUhDwwP1Ri9-LdJ8CFTgc5gl3rYfwmbxUN1zy7Rtfw&oe=67CB3299	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732020	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 1:08 PM	1740993496	1749233292		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO			https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.7272335924657E+14	Mo-TV	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481092401_1364727938293979_6890439745456167194_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oSak0_v6F8IQ7kNvgEmY0u-&_nc_oc=Adhzv5l3RE6FZQmTnt-7IlK5s9jnt_XyDE-RRO5i1y93U8MeUKJA6ffNFrSUjyyfLp9CQl6l0XmkQ-KImz6oF2BY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYDvqJ8asQOUZFDZUkpQ0G4OnMAIW3rPbv392FRXw7yxeQ&oe=67CB2F43	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Se emborrachó y acabó acostándose con Nicolas, trece años mayor que ella, por lo que contrajeron matrimonio. Madalyn creía que era un matrimonio sin amor, pero, sin saberlo, había caído en la trampa del amor de Nicolás. Él esperaba que ella le correspondiera.		Mo-TV		4827	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732137	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 1:16 PM	1740993499	1749233782		2747																											Send message			MULTI_IMAGES						1.0454988905505E+14	Max Wellness Pain Relief	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480917253_629609136459403_8790042547769534342_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Zbivbrrb4XMQ7kNvgGJxSXb&_nc_oc=AdgprtpMkyKfhd6QmfDAmR3yw8TVlyyNrEa7tMup_TsftW2zoTXzPYQrWD6kRDZthuw3OQnDQKaS_4H4Mdsz8uqH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AZOKtV7TlC30BTObFG05j5S&oh=00_AYCaPdIaBYivsFQuZ9S724YW9XrZ_1m0d7tzLqHz2zYyFQ&oe=67CB3E49	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Dr. Maxwell Wesenberg, DPT, recently returned from an incredible trip to Italy, where he completed an advanced training course with Professor Giuseppe Marineo, the inventor of Scrambler Therapy, at the European Hospital in Rome. This intensive training makes Dr. Wesenberg one of only ten providers worldwide to achieve an advanced level of expertise in this innovative new technology for treating neuropathic pain. We are thrilled to offer our patients access to this cutting-edge therapy right here at Max Wellness in Oshkosh, WI. Learn more about Scrambler Therapy and how it can help manage chronic nerve pain or numbness at www.maxwellnesspainrelief.com. #scramblertherapy #chronicpain #crpsawareness #InnovationInHealthcare		Max Wellness Pain Relief		358	https://www.facebook.com/MaxWellnessPR/	0		MESSAGE_PAGE								View Edit Delete
2732146	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 11:40 PM	1740993499	1746333637		2747																										https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPBFDPFR	Learn more			IMAGE	| Possessive | Protective | Perfectly Yours |	Hot and Steamy HEA	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPBFDPFR			4.1387869514611E+14	Emma Bloom Romance Author	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481080830_2525036901193862_6905995720792504733_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cgYQTsKfNvgQ7kNvgE402gB&_nc_oc=AdhganAdbqnmUWm2ZEtzjeEPQshVgOPIR0K_A3gZlfjd2y-k9gH_NtU0FtlINFSk0GYNxAXd8Yfuuf1tKo3gXlfo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYBdB618I-9CmaAJ_402HXg9Dx5jIre8hLDijzw0x4I1wQ&oe=67CB579E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Isaac,” I manage to whisper when he pulls back just enough to let me breathe. His eyes lock on mine, his lips curving into that devastating smirk. “Say it again,” he says, his voice low and commanding. “Isaac,” I whisper, my voice trembling with want. He leans in, his mouth brushing against my ear. “Good girl,” he murmurs, his tone dark and full of promise. I shiver, my hands gripping his shoulders as he presses another kiss to my lips, his body pinning me against the car. Every nerve in my body feels like it’s on fire, and I know, without a doubt, I’m completely his. 🔥Read This HOT Romance 🔥 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPBFDPFR		Emma Bloom Romance Author		19	https://www.facebook.com/emmabloom.romance/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732269	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:04 AM	1740993501	1746335088		2747																										w2a.cafedrama.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🎬 Watch the Full Episode Now 👉		https://w2a.cafedrama.com/facebookios.html?distCode=0d65170b&campaign_name= {{campaign.name}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&creative_name={{ad.name}}&creative_id={{ad.id}}&pixel=dreamdrama_EN			4.4480074539249E+14	CafeDrama-js2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481291464_516802231440868_5407341705376693131_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-s6EgHzFSlEQ7kNvgHYLz_K&_nc_oc=AdjCfhevbW3BIEGChObhUnNdyfsU6LgoswxWDAKGF8--yttwFsthB6I2eOczAuhJmLibe1mw6nSdaxRCtJC3Bwo9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYBkyPmZu-_ixzPTS_tMUZYlzLF3sP9_-iAvMtajHGeCNA&oe=67CB297B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Skylar Ellis, a top commercial lawyer, investigates an arson case to save his sick sister. He crosses paths with Zion Baldwin, an illegitimate heir fighting for his family’s fortune. Initially using each other, they clash, uncover hidden truths, and ultimately find redemption. 💔🔍❤️‍🔥 #RevengeAndLove #UnexpectedRomance #MysteriousMan #HealingHearts #LoveAfterBetrayal #FateAndDesire #IntenseConnection #HeartOverHate #Drama ✨		CafeDrama-js2		78	https://www.facebook.com/61569515732155/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732240	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 11:45 PM	1740993501	1746333935		2747																														IMAGE						5.4597109527082E+14	Settlement Ally	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482020414_1301145041116362_9198164964289891333_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DaHX4J0FEhwQ7kNvgFRYYcU&_nc_oc=AdjHHgC978POpTVOp-X_TiZvpy9DqVvNNylQW5i8abUpYXTo06wAm_uBQNUCmHdrQbvQEv5Idnp_q-qibEj2bs2m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCKsrKmAq2zaFh6tYS2AjvauFZ8FZlZzxyGNAdAus9CHw&oe=67CB53D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The Hidden Cost of Burn Injuries—Are You Protected? 💔🔥 A burn injury is more than just a physical wound—it can change your entire life. ➡️ Permanent scarring ➡️ Nerve damage ➡️ Chronic pain ➡️ Emotional trauma Many burn victims face financial ruin because of mounting medical bills, lost wages, and expensive treatments. And yet, many don’t realize they have legal options when their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. 🔥 Did you know? Fires and burn injuries often happen due to: ✅ Landlords failing to install smoke detectors ✅ Workplaces ignoring safety codes ✅ Restaurants serving dangerously hot food without warning ✅ Defective products causing fires or explosions If this happened to you, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Legal compensation can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term care you need. We’re here to fight for you. 💪 Get the answers you need with our accident guides – visit discover.settlementally.com #BurnSurvivor #FireSafetyMatters #LegalHelp #Negligence #PersonalInjuryClaims #SettlementAlly		Settlement Ally		5430	https://www.facebook.com/SettlementAlly/	0										View Edit Delete
2731634	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:31 PM	1740993488	1746991911		2747																											Call now			IMAGE						3.6111560042496E+14	On Point Therapeutic Massage	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481280884_1742212956325649_407483618857613590_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9wGo3NZkAtcQ7kNvgGl5yC_&_nc_oc=AdjDEHaTQ3PtLkiViFVli8FkM_sOqyvQl-sEZjiPjMFrEn2Rn7sG7yuIqqdKGs3dEjrmGo9s7SNOFm-Cy_Y8InXm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYDVu2LWQypIN8q01gT05eyqAMLiZLObe11CNFzv4PcOJA&oe=67CB3A5F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		✨ Fresh space, more availability! ✨ I’ve been updating my office, giving it a fresh new feel—just like I do for your muscles! 💆‍♀️ More availability means more chances to get the deep tissue work you need. This last week I’ve been seeing a lot of runners and clients dealing with hip and leg pain. Issues like tight hamstrings, knee pain and hip imbalances don’t typically stay in one spot... they affect how your entire body moves! Take a runner with knee pain, for example. They might subconsciously put less force on that leg, which throws off their stride. Over time, this imbalance can lead to hip misalignment, which can lead to things like sciatic and low back pain, or even foot pain. Instead of pushing through and hoping it resolves itself, addressing the root cause early on can prevent that domino effect of pain and dysfunction. When I treat hip or leg pain, my typical focus will be on improving pelvic mobility, releasing deep trigger points in the hamstrings, calves, and glute area and working through any restrictions that limit your movement. This helps restore proper mobility, increases circulation and opens up the nerve pathways so that your muscles can do their job without restrictions! If you're dealing with tightness, pain or limited movement, let’s get you on the table. Check my website for availability!		On Point Therapeutic Massage		30	https://www.facebook.com/onpointmassageut/	0		CALL_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731925	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:34 PM	1740993494	1746992055		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481248845_9517580041620856_2380675586727563604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QhhEVdjNDiYQ7kNvgH6jdKl&_nc_oc=Adg6MhOQ3h30sdGGK2vw32FjGgf64UCKL4DBuGlqDrUgxspLhPTA5etWgaMSiy5kG8cM-UDr70DivEDzfVfF8kl2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYBWLpm12LL3BzuFLrc0Metz5BiY3iX802yLJuHrtg6sGw&oe=67CB50E9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731850	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:12 AM	1740993493	1746335533		2747																										fb.lovenovelshort.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥Click to Read	More chapters	https://fb.lovenovelshort.com/book/loading/page/novelshortnew/pageCode/12-181541212354?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}			4.1091837876134E+14	Novel Short	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480968486_1625491234819415_4410069872155764706_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8RGr9akeBYEQ7kNvgGc-CJ0&_nc_oc=AdjvDcxfJyoDMeph9rHSNeCno058gC_oWASEgFWYbt3A2lND1J48AFf2va1z8pkWa2ykQvf7Y4IwnJJ1xu3hN81b&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AHjGLMgphR4hdkvsxaeUxCg&oh=00_AYCKGZzyPYc0d33nm7XtCYPbfFzsD1wCX_2NqYCrbxwNiA&oe=67CB3DF9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“No, cease all operations. It seems I will be back sooner than we had planned,” I spoke into the phone as I bit down hard on my lips trying not to show weakness. The moment I hung up, I released a shaky breath as I stared at the gift bag in my hands. My eyes watered and I let out a scoff. “Seven years of dedication and this is the thanks I get,” I muttered, staring at the box. I was staring at the contents of a small gift box I had found inside my husband’s jacket. Seven years of marriage and my husband had never given me anything, he’d say I was vain when I requested something. But here is a customized diamond bracelet worth ten thousand dollars. He's gotten it for his secretary, Hailey. The words engraved on the body of the bracelet made my heart shatter into a million pieces. My love forever and always, from Tony to Hailey. The bedroom door creaked open as my husband, Tony, stepped inside with a frown on his face. “What’s taking you so long to get my jacket, Ciara?” he asked when he came inside. “This,” I answered, shoving the gift box in his hands. His face crumpled a bit and he sighed, “Hailey’s boyfriend broke up with her and she's been sad so I decided to get her this gift to cheer her up.” I chuckled, at the fact that he was lying straight to my face. He had a lot of nerve, it’s been two years since Hailey entered our lives as his secretary and since then our marriage has never been the same. Tony had stopped sleeping at home for several days since then and he’d come back only when it was necessary. I had long suspected he was cheating on me with Hailey but I've never caught them in the act. Maybe because I was too busy running my husband’s business in the shadows while he thought it was his hard work that brought him success. “Listen, Ciara, it’s not a big deal. Hailey works for me and I can decide to gift her or give her a bonus to buy things for herself so she can be efficient in her work,” Tony added when I didn't say anything. I nodded, “Does it include using the lines from our wedding vow?” Tony seemed tongue-tied for a moment before he recovered, “Why are you questioning me, Ciara? Don't you trust me? I told them to engrave her ex-boyfriend’s name with the words but they made a mistake and put my name instead since I paid for it.” I laughed, “Yes, Tony, keep talking to me like I’m a toddler. You can gift your secretary but not your wife.” As expected, Tony exploded and got defensive, “How dare you? I’ve been working and taking care of you all these years while you stayed home doing nothing and yet you're still an ungrateful woman!” With those words he stormed out of the bedroom, taking the gift box with him. I didn't bother dwelling on his words as I needed to prepare for the burial we were supposed to attend together but now he's gone. One of his colleagues and work friends had passed away in a fatal accident. I was a bit close to the late man’s wife so I wanted to show my support. I opened the wardrobe and got dressed in my black simple dress then I went outside only to find out Tony had left with the limousine. I grabbed his car keys and took his black sedan instead. As I opened the glove compartment, a box stumbled to the floor. I frowned, how many gifts did he get her? I opened the box and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nostrils. I was familiar with this scent, it was a perfume that my husband always came back home with. When I asked he said he meets a lot of people every day so it’s normal for their perfume to rub off on him. There was red sexy lingerie inside with a note that read: to remind you of our explosive night yesterday. My hands shook as I clenched the note. Yesterday, Tony hadn't returned home until early this morning. He went out with this car and claimed that he worked late with Hailey and he had to drop her off because there wasn't any cab available. I scoffed and chucked the box beside the passenger’s seat as I drove toward his office. I've been patient for two years listening to his lies and being treated like a gullible teenager but no more, I deserve an explanation. It’s the least he could give me after seven years of our life together. I pulled up in front of his office and entered inside, my eyes scanning every employee but Hailey was nowhere to be found. I took the elevators to the top floor and went to Tony’s office. As I opened the door I saw Hailey doing a video as she displayed her bracelet and said, “Hey everyone, see what my rich boyfriend got for me.” Chapter 2 Ciara’s Pov “Your rich boyfriend, huh?” I asked. Hailey looked shocked to see me as she stood up and turned off her phone, pasting a fake smile on her face. “Hello, Mrs. Reeds, what are you doing here?” she asked nervously. I scoffed, “This is my husband’s office, I should be asking you that.” “Uh… he's at a meeting. Please don't tell him I was sitting here,” she pleaded. “Stop playing games with me, Hailey, I know you're dating my husband,” I snapped, tossing the lingerie toward her. The vulnerable facade she had earlier slipped from her face as a coy smile formed on her lips. “Oops,” she giggled as she picked up the lingerie, “Busted.” I was surprised by her nonchalant attitude, “Aren’t you ashamed that you're sleeping with my husband?” She flashed her bracelet at me and shrugged, “Nope, why should I be? You're the one who should be ashamed he's cheating on you.” I reacted before I could think and my palm landed across her cheeks as I stared at her harshly. “You vile creature, you will regret ever speaking to me in that tone,” I threatened. Hailey’s eyes flashed with hatred as she glared at me, “No, Ciara, you're the one who would regret laying your filthy hands on me.” I was surprised to see that there was no remorse in her eyes when suddenly she threw herself to the floor and clutched her cheeks as she cried out in pain. “No, Mrs. Reeds, please, I’m sorry. I didn't ask for this, you're misunderstanding,” she cried. I scoffed, oblivious to her schemes, “Okay, now you're asking for mercy?” It was when I saw the small coy smile playing on her lips that I realized it was all an act. Just then the door opened and Tony burst into the office, his face filled with fury. “What nonsense is this?” he yelled at me, “Why are you here, Ciara?” I scoffed as I watched him help Hailey stand up. He checked her cheeks that had my palm print on them. “What? Here to defend your mistress?” I hissed at him. “I’m sorry, sir, your wife seems to be misunderstanding the gift you got me. Please, don't blame her, it’s not her fault,” Hailey said pitifully. “Wow, you deserve an Oscar!” I snapped at her. “Get out!” Tony said to me. I was momentarily shocked as I stared at him my eyes widening in surprise. “Wh…what?” I stuttered. “Get out of my office, Ciara, and never come to my workplace to create such a scene,” he snapped. “But I saw her —” My words were cut short when I felt a sharp sting across my face only to realize Tony had just slapped me. “I am your husband and you will obey me. GET OUT!” he yelled. I touched my cheeks as my eyes stung with tears while Hailey gave me a smug smile as I stumbled out of his office, my body frozen with shock. Tony, who had never let me get hurt before, had just slapped me for another woman. The realization was like a bitter pill to swallow as I drove to the cemetery where the burial was supposed to be held. I tried not to think of the incident and focus on comforting the man’s wife but it became worse when Tony arrived with Hailey and they stood beside me trying to mirror the image of a perfect couple with me as their secretary. Just as the service was concluded and the coffin was lowered into the ground, the woman burst into tears. I was certain she was mourning a love that had ended abruptly. Even though my husband wasn't dead I knew how she felt because, for the past two years, it felt like my husband was dead. That was when we heard the screeching of tires as about ten SUVs surrounded the cemetery. Before I knew it the sound of gunshots filled the air as people screamed and scrambled away while I watched as Tony dived down with Hailey shielding her with his body and I stood frozen with shock. There was danger and my husband instead of protecting me had left me for the wolves while he protected his mistress. “Get down!” an unfamiliar voice yelled. The words barely registered before I felt a sharp pain as someone tackled me to the ground and I lost track of time as my eyes suddenly grew heavy. “Stay with me!” I heard an unfamiliar voice but it sounded so distant. Then I slowly closed my eyes and gave in to the darkness. Chapter 3 Ciara’s Pov The incessant beeping of the machine was the first sound I heard when I opened my eyes followed by the bright lights hanging above me. I realized I was in the hospital as the memories of Tony shielding Hailey with his body flashed before my eyes. What had happened? I wondered as I felt a sharp pain close to my stomach. The door opened and a doctor came inside. She had a bright smile on her face. “Mrs. Reeds, I’m so glad you're awake,” she smiled. “What happened?” I asked, my throat dry. “You don't recall?” she asked, frowning. I shrugged, “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” The doctor helped me sit up as I let out a sharp groan, she smiled apologetically at me before propping me with a pillow. “You were shot, Mrs. Reeds,” she said, as I gulped down the water she gave me. My mind flashed to the gunshot and I frowned, I had thought it was a dream but that was the sad reality of my life. “In the course of performing surgery to remove the bullet we found out you were pregnant, we tried our best but you lost the baby,” the doctor added. The words rang in my ears as I sat feeling numb, staring at her while my hands subconsciously touched my lower belly. “I was pregnant?” I asked. The doctor nodded, “We are so sorry, Mrs. Reeds. If there's anything you need at all —” “When will I be discharged?” I asked, interrupting her. She blinked, “The nature of your injuries is severe, I don't recommend leaving the hospital soon.” “How fast can I be discharged?” I demanded, a bit forceful this time. The doctor swallowed cautiously, “We can keep you for observation, and if there's no bleeding you can leave tomorrow but you're not allowed to do any strenuous task.” I nodded, “Thank you, Doctor.” She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text message to an unsaved number on my phone just as I heard a light knock on the door. I raised my head and saw it was Tony, standing in the doorway with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry, I just panicked and I was closer to Hailey and you're older than her so I figured you'd know what to do, I didn't know you would keep standing till the bullet hit you,” Tony rambled in what seemed like an apology. I just gave him a blank look without batting an eye at him. “Say something, please,” he said, “The doctor told me about the baby too. I know we've been trying to get one for years. I'm sure you'll get pregnant again.” I scoffed, for two years Tony had never touched me until he came home one-night drunk as a skunk one month ago and we had. After that, he never touched me and that was how I got pregnant. I looked away from him and focused my attention on my phone which was now pinging with a series of text messages. “Mrs. Reeds, please forgive us.” The sound of Hailey’s mocking voice was like a slap to my face as I looked up and saw her hiding behind Tony, without a single bruise on her body while Tony had scratches on his arm and face from protecting her. Without thinking, I removed the IV and stood up ignoring the searing pain I felt below my abdomen. Tony, who knew me so well, saw the rage on my face as he tried to shield Hailey with his body. “Please, Ciara, she's just a kid don't be mad at her,” he pleaded, “Be mad at me instead —” The words were barely out of his lips when I slapped him, pushing him aside. Tony was so shocked he barely had time to stand up as I slapped Hailey twice and pushed her to the ground. Hailey cried and held her cheeks while Tony scrambled and ran toward her. “Ciara, are you mad? See what you've done to the innocent girl. She's not the one who sent shooters to the burial or made you keep standing like a fool while they were shooting,” Tony spat angrily. I stared at him and scoffed, “Both of you will regret this, I will make sure of it.” With my eyes blazing in anger, I walked out of the hospital. I barely made it to the car park when I realized my stitches had ripped and I was bleeding. “Damn it!” I groaned. I leaned heavily against a car when I saw two black SUVs heading toward me. The cars stopped before me as armed men stepped out of the car. One of the men stepped forward and bowed before handing me an envelope. “It's ready, Mistress,” he said. I opened the envelope and read the contents nodding as I hurriedly signed before giving it back to him. “Make sure he signs it,” I ordered. The man nodded as he led me to the car which drove off immediately. “Relax, Mistress, we’ll soon arrive at the private airstrip where we parked the jet,” the driver said. I nodded and relaxed even though my lower abdomen was hurting me. Just as we arrived and I was about to enter the jet, my phone rang. I glanced at it and saw it was Tony. “Ciara, what is this madness? Instead of you to apologize for what you've done to Hailey you hired goons to force me to sign a divorce certificate? Come here right now!” Tony spat angrily over the phone. “Go to hell and so help me God if you ever call my number again I’ll make you wish for death!” I threatened before I hung up and tossed my phone into the trash. I smoothed my dress as I walked into the helicopter. I will make Tony and Hailey regret their actions. They just wait!"		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2731589	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:15 AM	1740993487	1746335734		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480692936_2129764767456711_1478881927939310060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fv1oMPhGDcsQ7kNvgE70Dvw&_nc_oc=Adi7dM54WRbVUcDj_vOCaUFCxWIKGzakKGoP_paA2VfiB7P4_AUCi7taCy7CQyq2P4IHNJNzYRCTAgWBDtlUlozX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYDvck8JtD1F_9c2T_wPQnZbsnekQ_SlWBYVFtNIjCqrrQ&oe=67CB26A1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731662	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:37 PM	1740993489	1746992248		2747																										neurorelieve.com	Order now			VIDEO	Your Relief Is Here.	Say goodbye to pain & swelling at home.	https://neurorelieve.com/products/neurorelief-4-in-1-thermo-relief-massager			4.2661521053334E+14	Neurorelieve	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481072600_1594354834592350_658634825854433254_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2xNkaU6KtlYQ7kNvgFdcTOF&_nc_oc=AdjSXBinEFIXf3F7DOEzSLySuRCJnCXif7Jb7ZZfJhKrdLvB4vXLX67zHDyCs3UEn2fci-Jz0G4z9P3BI8OmJnEY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYBGB6hf_jSVHHmcBbLosEqsaWrg3bAGstFZzLSERPLERw&oe=67CB2B44	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"As someone who works long shifts at Amazon, the NeuroRelief™ Massager has been a game-changer. After just a few days, my leg pain eased up a lot. It’s super simple to use, and the relief it brings after a long day on my feet is just what I needed!" – Katy J. If you’re constantly on your feet, dealing with swelling, muscle fatigue, or poor circulation, you don’t have to suffer anymore. 💡 Here’s How NeuroRelief™ Works: ✔️ EMS & TENS Therapy – Stimulates muscles & blocks pain signals ✔️ Infrared Heat Therapy – Reduces inflammation & stiffness ✔️ Red Light Therapy – Supports nerve regeneration & blood flow ✔️ Portable & Easy to Use – Instant relief anytime, anywhere Katy isn’t alone – Thousands are already experiencing the soothing relief they deserve. Now it’s your turn! 🚀 Try it Risk-Free – 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee! 🚀 🎯 Tap Below to Experience the Relief You Deserve! ⬇️ https://neurorelieve.com/products/neurorelief-4-in-1-thermo-relief-massager		Neurorelieve		299	https://www.facebook.com/61564873628836/	0		ORDER_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731942	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:27 PM	1740993495	1746991673		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764A5CBF506AE5BE1E4093B74CC2853E9D8D			1.0394825906936E+14	Enjoy Read Now	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481278579_3890704244531489_7786607468560805939_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9MwaYuVRKlQQ7kNvgGy5C6b&_nc_oc=Adj-vqPom_XUBVErSwsss7T0EcOCsg4YXysiwLvCDqCI_NiHBQWleaVUC02YeUtl8hg3HSJ6gPNxbFuxMyrQrPxO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYDTLVy2shRv63tHAi7du3K5D2cjKlHDeV_r1vAge1eBxw&oe=67CB2F21	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Enjoy Read Now		23998	https://www.facebook.com/100083816409996/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731884	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 11:29 PM	1740993493	1749097762		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	📚 28 Books For 70% Off!	"SO HOT! I LOVE with this series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-dark-billionaire-bundle-by-vivian-wood			5.8334782485596E+14	Vivian Wood	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481214082_814210804235817_3098033602182587381_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_Pv9uc6dDGAQ7kNvgFvAfic&_nc_oc=AdgCgXSgXETO7v-3vo-LP-Zqxymg1sTWM713Y31kq42FTL_m7UqIJLwtDzyi483jLU4ex6DsbP5RXdIFUWvs3gA0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYA7pxgXmFpPR1m1wiod-1ivpr66sHuH2nlVbTB7O2KsYg&oe=67CB519F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		He kissed me like he meant it. “You’re not leaving tomorrow, are you?” she asked, voice hushed. Henry didn’t answer; he didn’t have to. He crossed the distance between them and slid a hand along her cheek. The question hung there, loaded with everything they’d avoided saying for days. “Ellie,” he said, low and careful, “I don’t want to hurt you. But every time I’m near you, all I can think about is taking you like this—” He cupped the back of her neck, and in one fluid motion, claimed her mouth with his. She whimpered, parting her lips, and the taste of her was better than any memory. ​ When her arms slid up around his shoulders, he coaxed her deeper into the kiss. The bed creaked behind them, beckoning. Ellie tugged at his shirt until he raised his arms and let her peel it off. “I’ve wanted this,” she whispered, eyes roaming the expanse of his bare chest. She ran her palms over the ridges of muscle. “Always.” “Show me,” he said. The raw need in his voice made her shiver. ​ She popped the button of her shorts, letting them slip to the floor. The thin scrap of her underwear soon followed. Henry’s gaze darkened, a low groan rumbling out as his hand splayed across her hips, guiding her back until she hit the mattress. “You’re so beautiful,” he rasped, kneeling to plant kisses along her thighs. She arched her back, the breath leaving her lungs in shallow bursts. Ellie dragged her fingers through his hair, her soft moan a wordless plea as he pressed his mouth where she ached most. A tremor rolled through her, every nerve ending on alert. ​ She could barely form a thought as his tongue teased her, sending jolts of pleasure pulsing through her veins. “Henry,” she gasped, “don’t stop.” He had no intention of stopping. Her legs quivered, and he slipped an arm beneath her to hold her steady. Every swirl and flick pushed her closer to the edge until her cry broke in the hush of the cabin. When Ellie’s breathing calmed, Henry stood, chest heaving. She propped herself up on her elbows, watching him fumble for the foil packet in his wallet. ​ “Hurry,” she urged, cheeks still flushed. Henry did exactly that. In the next breath, he joined her on the bed, bracing his forearms on either side of her. She pulled him down, and their mouths collided again. His body pressed against hers, every inch of them aligned. “Tell me you want this,” he murmured, poised at her entrance. “I do,” she managed, eyes fluttering shut. “I want you, Henry. Now.” And that was all he needed. He pushed into her, the heat and pressure stealing her breath. Ellie’s nails bit lightly into his shoulders. For a moment, neither of them moved, overwhelmed by the sharp bliss of finally crossing a line they both knew they couldn’t uncross. Then he began a slow, deliberate rhythm, one that spoke of hunger and restraint unraveling at the seams.		Vivian Wood		3	https://www.facebook.com/61573076215858/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732074	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 1:38 AM	1740993498	1749105500		2747																										https://fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	👉🏽 😍		https://app.freedomwtracey.com/echfree/?aff_sub1={{campaign.name}}&aff_sub2={{adset.name}}&aff_sub3={{ad.name}}&aff_id={{campaign.name}}&sid={{adset.name}}&sid2={{ad.name}}			5.3278254992232E+14	Dr Mark	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481232726_4061277247530517_430327861433931199_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sm2OsMB__ucQ7kNvgGFhLOw&_nc_oc=Adja8YtQN-xvZDct4qxSgbja9lBoeEUVutBX2VR2eBuhnA5NVQlqb1efmzZTzpUZsTmJu1dguz3okCLbAvq7jh6N&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYCnhAyNGtrP6WGdA8yJvOyBnBTiB9VOZdQIh6gYakH0QA&oe=67CB29F9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		✅ 🔊		Dr Mark		270	https://www.facebook.com/61572513215076/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732017	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 5:55 PM	1740993496	1747176918		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9048A3AD41B3D60BAB55BD1792AD62B5A6F			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481259261_1050888613446082_2097258646229670839_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SFKd2FeHKbIQ7kNvgEzB52H&_nc_oc=AdgO43GTFRCz-BCIoTTy52IyQ2rPfoWZdKeSQFaY3Ytgk8s3TI1H9wSF4q7yRygv8l0nf1KvCObYs3DyxCazu28L&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYCrYc4xyDEvsuDlac5I0x9c2IJiUnqWXFCpitoK8ltKQg&oe=67CB3A9D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731627	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 4:24 PM	1740993488	1749245071		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Go to the Full Episodes Now ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=44004&language=en&timestamp=1735613037375&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.0416902609396E+14	Shorttv APP	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481469924_635979152366461_1583856434609768580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4ldq4CIf0W0Q7kNvgEdrQtc&_nc_oc=Adiv1nQCrdVaex8l_xewcW025wYjc5poYhpVKMe0QeKR5-D48c-NvlB_BuR3JcWJB_WJ--0e2qVDHARxsnoqah8T&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYDWv8a9XbLKucnIb2Zk8VXQVSCOnOxrVgHS-FuxakZUJA&oe=67CB5410	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Hot, so hot.🔞 🔥Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuously...... Young master, Madam has signed a divorce agreement and flown abroad...... 👇Download ShortTV to watch more series🎬		Shorttv APP		26229	https://www.facebook.com/100095062656787/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731877	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 2:51 AM	1740993493	1746345066		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Two girls. One crown. Who's the real heiress?		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=6746aa92c946defef504c9ff&chapterId=5epijo1kve&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481466756_1375552333435565_4852051394218229380_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qrU06At2m9IQ7kNvgHMFK51&_nc_oc=Adjmd1kaM2NZ0ET6Y6TD0c2hY0xIdSC9VDjiFeZcCSkvbIjBTs9_HOYxMDHBPWARWn96_xgI83_9jZtygNgQHMEG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYDOtQsCLgbJZ4wejQM4XlXcSISom0fSGsWW8qF19YAosA&oe=67CB5AB7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hailey Kaplan, a wealthy teenager who decides to conceal her true identity when she transfers to Western High, a public school. Tired of being known only for her family's wealth, Hailey hopes to make genuine friends and experience a normal teenage life. However, her plans are thrown into chaos when Candice Mathis, the daughter of the Kaplan family's maid, arrives at school posing as the Kaplan heiress. Candice quickly rises to the top of the social hierarchy, while Hailey finds herself at the bottom, subjected to bullying and ridicule.		ReelShort		1247733	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732088	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 4:32 PM	1740993498	1749245536		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn More			DCO	Tap “Learn more”	A simple vitamin...	https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481258905_1351004925914564_6730399146628986347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8dXCO9GpGLEQ7kNvgFhPszc&_nc_oc=AdjJL-FuFVodxpJ9G3FbtA8N6eazq9GiElqRYcRW3Ak0klx__-Wl6TWLRdS4-BnFySUxoDUEArZHZ9JrurLL1-II&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYC7JFz6AK6rjUG8BMpokdp6atmCc5acaYUIfkf0tXEQPg&oe=67CB4A21	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		First, it was just tingling in my feet… 👉 then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732004	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 2:23 PM	1740993496	1749756195		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970E74E8A7498E9D6F8C02E3D5F819E3622			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481712947_512833998589851_6682106237751784031_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QLGA70BgY9QQ7kNvgH_eUnX&_nc_oc=Adi6GSPHKrcTfW9x4oHGEJH51oQ3P5TRmZRNWpp8PTWmYmOMyRzprVeDkoXyT1t8ATZnZjEcOcpjpXP7uIdyOgaI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYD4MUL_g_yurH8mxiEe8imgoLyCi1wMdZDrTgSmkctkbw&oe=67CB39F7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732045	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 2:00 AM	1740993497	1746342005		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.0560701930403E+14	Mobotv	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481059598_1855791731847622_9206328042587416528_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3p8LZYDqGD0Q7kNvgHiASR7&_nc_oc=AdhgRPSjh7DK7RhgOPNISiyr9d9Toi8zrVJ5evlV9-WbACM9wLVIWIT3sfpSA7yLFv0Nrzk0g1FhsYndINvqIDQh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYDq8Yv4yNNrlcFCO2ZvvJbun5NWFfs4qE4ZFxnM7AMljA&oe=67CB5352	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Mobotv		3426	https://www.facebook.com/61555028687919/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732265	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/4/25, 7:03 PM	1740993501	1751673809		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman.		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846828%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482319592_626473530326795_5720036357435947269_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e1XcHLraB_4Q7kNvgH4Tp9O&_nc_oc=AdjhNLln07mEKwvXK4CflWb_Hyao0QgECLAUlTX8C60Ij_1iYt0_4qH7pd6iaiZXEXiW15u4zVds5W2_QEbbPvLK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYC3kv4pcSSiZFvgW-_HywAulJoC5qUMGYJB1fj2yuu6vA&oe=67CB3F41	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732301	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 2:10 AM	1740993502	1749798659		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Vai subito agli episodi completi ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=48350&language=it&timestamp=1738059602860&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480708143_637926579179738_8379069503668736601_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pxACUYLxaGYQ7kNvgF_fGP7&_nc_oc=AdhEEsNgdtZxNgDOXOx1zkP7wLQse_pL1ATmGG4z5BmmjB-7JB3ZaSPSet8MeOxW4XD7tHG_gmk0KhqXbvauuNZs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBU6PG7m88djEix60qD17-czETWKPLV3pXytqTwdaSYGg&oe=67CB5BBF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Caldo, così caldo.🔞 🔥Migliaia di brevi drama vengono aggiornati continuamente...... Giovane padrone, la signora ha firmato un accordo di divorzio ed è volata all'estero...... 👇Scarica ShortMax per guardare altre serie🎬		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731928	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 11:43 PM	1740993494	1749098608		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476923728_1287897675829489_4989909279797542738_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U-A3gCZ0pk4Q7kNvgGZbaye&_nc_oc=Adj-s4PBCiUrEmas9lyPnXL064mpqTSYZQpqn6pLSgOUafdhURPqI1KNcMIg0YC_maT24EeZ5azw0C0w4lNfyihc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYBb7ltspJuYwAbvzsSdBlgxxc8U_kcUmIkB4EJTvH3vdQ&oe=67CB3756	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731861	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 6:49 PM	1740993493	1749253797		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480982821_656420090176004_3486287405830168821_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fVeKUBkgbncQ7kNvgGrdmmM&_nc_oc=AdikasvKRK0vWhGCctyFDRz9_yEtoNWjcAaRKK3i3K9QCfjHAUDRQiAe3vy8qHnmgJFqbe91ffFWLaxzVm5i25L0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYBJcBIkAapj0CxN7gw1iL1Ww0tws89JUPtEgTmYin6RIw&oe=67CB35DB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731933	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 6:06 PM	1740993495	1749251190		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476968255_562127160316765_4257445924313556983_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cc5_QaVzOXAQ7kNvgHsJ8-Y&_nc_oc=AdimRI_3Vgd21SoNhy9N34AeiYEdLdQ1fn4TV9-ihDLnLYtKqoQhlDskBr0FUXjE2nY7WID4c09lQu-j9zNAOY30&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYAyoYJbx7CMuluY9lYoDyoB_UuWA3pgjoeB3_nu7JGjvw&oe=67CB4463	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732258	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 6:06 PM	1740993501	1749251194		2747																										read.americanhealthjournal.org	Learn more			IMAGE	Harvard Exposes: 5 Nerve-Damaging “Toxins” Causing Neuropathy in Seniors Across the U.S.	THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL AND NOT AN ACTUAL ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE.DISCLAIMERThis website is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Visitors are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualifi...	https://trk.skatrk02.com/67b42a69b88b44fbc273aff9?v1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&v2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&v3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&v4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&v5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&v6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&v7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&v8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&utm_source=MD-fb-nerve&utm_medium=paid			5.817074150231E+14	Mandy Rogers	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481087310_24034902926109885_8083923275855197263_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1sa7KdTtx_oQ7kNvgFKXsp8&_nc_oc=AdgoRWe4H_642Cbnzpc1l8Iq4LY5UoyA3QzhOkrJDNqCu6lY-Ycehg4w5MNgW49z_8aEer-nTm4y4e7zCt09tdFp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMfw3qxBJshQQQ0gNU6bEPw&oh=00_AYAf6H-2-TmJEobSwBa0Pga1WMZFh7F1CqSFyRR3w-xWyQ&oe=67CB3F42	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The burning Nerve Pain forced me to cancel dance lessons with my grandbaby, until... I discovered what was "Really" causing it - now every Saturday, we practice the same moves my grandmother taught me in 1962. "Grandma, why can't you dance with me anymore?" Little Emma's innocent question brought tears to my eyes that Sunday afternoon. The Burning in my feet was so intense, I could barely stand… Let alone dance with my precious granddaughter. It felt like I was Walking on Hot Coals... every single step pure agony. How do you explain to a 6-year-old that Grandma's feet feel like they're on fire? That the same feet that used to chase her around the yard, tend to my garden, and dance at family gatherings... were now betraying me? I smiled through the pain. "Just a little tired, sweetheart." But we both knew it wasn't that. The burning had started slowly – just a slight tingling at first. The kind you brush off, thinking it'll pass. Then came the numbness The thousands of needles The shooting pains Soon, I couldn't even walk to the mailbox without gripping my cane for dear life. But the worst moment? When I had to cancel hosting our weekly dinner because I couldn't stand long enough to cook anymore. The tone in my daughter's face when I called to cancel...that mixture of worry and pity... it broke something inside me. I tried everything the doctors recommended: Medications that left me feeling like a zombie The expensive creams that did nothing to help Even those special socks they said would help Nothing worked. The burning just kept getting worse. "This is just part of aging," they said. "You'll have to learn to live with it." But how do you "live with" feeling like your feet are being blow-torched every single day? How do you accept becoming a prisoner in your own home? Then one Sunday after church… I overheard my friend Martha talking about how Nerve Pain had nearly confined her to a wheelchair. I couldn't believe it – Martha, who now ran the church bake sale, who danced at her grandson's wedding last month… Had suffered from burning feet worse than mine? I cornered her after service, desperate for answers. "Oh honey," she said, seeing me lean heavily on my cane, "I know exactly what you're going through." What she told me next shocked me to my core... She explained how a neurologist had discovered that certain foods we eat every day were creating something called "toxic plaque" in our nerves. This plaque was literally suffocating our nerves from the inside out, causing that terrible burning sensation. "Karen," she said, lowering her voice, "Did you know that one of the most common breakfast foods is actually the worst culprit?" Then she told me about this weird “Pepper” Hack that was helping people flush out these nerve-destroying toxins. I was skeptical at first. After all, I'd tried eliminating everything from sugar to gluten... But Martha grabbed my hands and said something I'll never forget: "Before I learned about this, I was just like you - trapped in my rocking chair, missing out on life. Now look at me! The difference is understanding what's really happening to your nerves." That hit home hard. When she explained how this toxic plaque builds up over time, everything started making sense... Why the pain got progressively worse... Why normal treatments weren't working... Why doctors couldn't seem to help... So I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose? The first few days, I didn't notice much difference... But by the end of week one, something changed. I realized I'd made it through an entire day without reaching for my pain pills. Then I noticed I could feel the carpet under my feet again. By week three, the constant burning had reduced so much, I actually slept through the night for the first time in months. But the real miracle? Last weekend, when Emma ran up to me asking for our special dance... I was able to take her little hands and twirl her around the living room, without fear, without pain, and without my cane. The look of pure joy on her face – being able to dance with my granddaughter again – I couldn't hold back the tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. My husband says I'm like a different person now. My daughter can't believe the change. And me? I feel like I've gotten my life back. I can garden again. I can cook again. I can be the grandmother I want to be. I'm sharing this because I know there are others out there suffering like I was. Watching their independence slip away... Living in constant fear of every step... Missing precious moments with their family... If that's you, please know there's hope. I've shared a link below to article that explains everything. It's a short read, but it might just change your life like it changed mine. Don't let burning feet steal any more precious moments with your family. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Take Care and God Bless		Mandy Rogers		3085	https://www.facebook.com/61572661484060/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732090	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 6:11 PM	1740993498	1749251497		2747																										thepapertomorrow.com	Learn more			IMAGE	A simple vitamin...		https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481232430_2053460075482048_3136307195651198530_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Vm5ZzhxaV0Q7kNvgGjLJL0&_nc_oc=Adh6GztCfgsg81GrourD4LnXYI2LXNm84jYCgbNiEujxsIbQdm7u5YdMcyQzyVRGZlpnHAytk0s2qdvOYd6Yd-gM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYAeUH9dcHsD4AuO4-7rIPBrjUjI4mFdc1LeboBbadNcTQ&oe=67CB29EE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731479	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:36 PM	1740993485	1749260160		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481136865_411597888702820_1089767704975424346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4o-ZU18qHj4Q7kNvgGFQ7jB&_nc_oc=AdhhFsMOn1HOf7eEcCQjDG_RoALPcPEW_0PGVM3FwkEcwqsY0g3LrwwV5z1_gEvc3NKtblEVlxg3Aobx2sPyIVu2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYC9M10UKIgsDolQEMT4Bm0vbM92tEJxQJvZQCat1jK4nw&oe=67CB2717	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731480	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:42 PM	1740993485	1749260529		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481136865_411597888702820_1089767704975424346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4o-ZU18qHj4Q7kNvgGFQ7jB&_nc_oc=AdhhFsMOn1HOf7eEcCQjDG_RoALPcPEW_0PGVM3FwkEcwqsY0g3LrwwV5z1_gEvc3NKtblEVlxg3Aobx2sPyIVu2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYC9M10UKIgsDolQEMT4Bm0vbM92tEJxQJvZQCat1jK4nw&oe=67CB2717	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731471	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:49 PM	1740993485	1749260956		2747																														VIDEO	Sunday Worship Service - “He Blessed Me In It!” - March 2nd, 2025					1.2397492776535E+14	LIFE Church	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074080_659893499769963_4991904150784208317_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t1GRPuxvT-AQ7kNvgHCc-4A&_nc_oc=AdhNP6BXloVDWFW90Hjf4fIkrEaVWmV2KpWvB6Lw-UuMn5LHITvLI-0e0Y_ZgT4iZ6Ttp9YaBJmt9LRbNLagGUl0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBt_7cxG474uneHxWWh9hzH5Zls717e-83fFQx90JKmng&oe=67CB2F28	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Sunday Worship Service - “He Blessed Me In It!” - March 2nd, 2025 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LIFEChurch.9/?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestlifeatl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestlifeatl/ Search the hashtag:: #LIFEChurchATL “DISCLAIMER” Please note, we do not own nor claim to own any of the original music used in this recording and / or broadcast."- December 8th, 2024 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LIFEChurch.9/?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestlifeatl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestlifeatl/ Search the hashtag:: #LIFEChurchATL		LIFE Church		11480	https://www.facebook.com/bestlifeatl/	0										View Edit Delete
2731482	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:45 PM	1740993485	1749260702		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481231892_1135101258101092_76642093385628514_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mbxnCtqGjssQ7kNvgHJlP51&_nc_oc=AdiYT6kZqNLta4P61KJkzpm-RpZ3FFoiWuLstK_ng2-2zCQabyFiy88yCsjVyNaw-fQ70PrrlJ0tAJhHHo0bUtUz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBfjFAsUYEHd9X9KPpU-cFZzp3Lard0NJ1SA0Es_1ScZw&oe=67CB5D1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731502	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:45 PM	1740993485	1749260716		2747																										heavenlytouchpt.smg-clients.com	Get offer			IMAGE	FREE NEUROPATHY CONSULTATION	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	https://heavenlytouchpt.smg-clients.com/optin-page-1071			3.8508309134928E+14	Heavenly Touch Physical Therapy PLLC	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481196413_562001973521465_6586668846108281748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HugxrQrWIS8Q7kNvgGRrWU4&_nc_oc=Adjr8jvhQq4VH55dRHWyc_jGscI0PPr-icqFS3Ls9WNZpkwygXnlbr5jUr6-TYTK9h5RiI2aPHHTcMThEMa4WNR-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBbE3PFr24vk5GjNEOAZc_JYm38YgmkzfJQeT4VZjUV-g&oe=67CB59BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🛑 END YOUR DIABETIC-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY! Struggling with Neuropathy? We Can Help! Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands and feet? These symptoms are signs of diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) caused by decreased blood flow and nerve damage. At Heavenly Touch Physical Therapy, Dr. Sharonda Jenkins, PT, DPT, specializes in helping patients regain sensation, strength, and mobility through an advanced Neuropathy Program designed to: ✅ Improve circulation to nourish damaged nerves ✅ Reduce pain and tingling with cutting-edge treatments ✅ Restore function so you can move with confidence. Our Patients USED to Suffer from… 💊Numbness and tingling in their hands and feet 💊Pins and needles in their hands and feet 💊Sensitivity to touch 💊Burning and constant, “foot falling asleep” feeling 💊Trouble walking 💊Inability to stand for prolonged periods of time with periodic falling 💡 We offer a FREE in-person Neuropathy Consultation to assess your condition and explore a personalized treatment plan Click Here to Schedule: https://heavenlytouchpt.smg-clients.com/optin-page-1071 📞Call 206-486-0529 📞 or Click “Get Offer” to schedule a FREE life-changing Neuropathy Pain Relief Session!!! (Normally $250). 📍10015 Lake City Way NE, Unit #424 Seattle, WA 98125		Heavenly Touch Physical Therapy PLLC		285	https://www.facebook.com/61562606961306/	0		GET_OFFER_VIEW								View Edit Delete
2732056	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 7:42 PM	1740993497	1749256975		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE904636B8A637F87D0FE228C7177516BFEDE			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481101565_1359723772125437_3730793006478416831_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-GczS5yhSPkQ7kNvgH94zRC&_nc_oc=AdgfTWo-1zeR2JkjLv_sLrxxH86qRtLiO883Covx4c5AkszQmZ2MOO5YpKI7I5UwxDNKHGnzKKtNGo8CxaQgtomo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYAf34q3p1hJFfsKw4JbUjTvWEFRyKLwf3Fa1lQvodV8IQ&oe=67CB52E7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731926	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 9:10 PM	1740993494	1749262204		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476905156_1143564757485840_9090844423982522754_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6mFvMS-EcDgQ7kNvgGN1qbJ&_nc_oc=AdhdyyeuhB3E6pBRlCKyJ8rwPzWFcxmZZkmkxm7eJ_CrESmYaMGWQLx2Rv2pyb9-vj4oFomEJLX-T7w3_pMrEbcU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYD7anmah6K4cty00gQI1DtHPcMfW4EO1T1h3Fbvy-Rb9A&oe=67CB4905	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731492	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 10:17 PM	1740993485	1749266260		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481309124_547948354319444_8364686670316806759_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IwpWkxPWGYkQ7kNvgELreea&_nc_oc=AdgF5gqybgiLN3EcQnkAxO8Yu8nTJFJjYrv7fGtpYQbbotLdoxw9QDv1SkPXeecxL8OtC-fpaROL7hiWk-kGEIOp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYD_pV2HUOHjPpk_BGoFKsOxE0em2dfQ99PgCdtY1rrvXA&oe=67CB3A55	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731678	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 7:20 PM	1740993489	1749255641		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481508331_639892028984732_1130992326579686048_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z5TKVqjlCeYQ7kNvgGehad6&_nc_oc=AdggLifYmKFSBFcLwCE1GRyq1uWkC2Ps8OgOlKpg0JdtN_ehB5NgmVsFe2CAaLRKlM_dPEKdjPv6r-DOP88ioqG0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYB2TJIVUYOZ3ACHVsscL4WJn3dpPtLXYWOhGifcXNO_yg&oe=67CB3929	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731966	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 9:45 PM	1740993495	1749264344		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482247268_643937031462577_2679135474403404899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V2E7jb9OEBoQ7kNvgEsLZsm&_nc_oc=AdhbvxwMKeRcVGmg0xCKluiYpZecwHLunfxxYgXA8RiFWWOZysb_4pMLJ0DAM3GFRvAnyPZDlT6wUeqmr_v89fu7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYBBNYR3OJcDPHFH8Uoh8kowC1lhln-xb4fXUa-NsPUhqQ&oe=67CB5D54	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731498	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:53 PM	1740993485	1749261208		2747																											No button			IMAGE						3.9647333687544E+14	Joshua Abrakadabra Christos	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481318576_9430943876951521_1965971751991335203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hvzr7zd16l4Q7kNvgH2Q59l&_nc_oc=AdgzGoXNp5IdHH6EFu7E4TMSeuPrXr7NbMxZmCAtL0uew_t08ybVKU5sddYoBEeTgw4B-f59Jrqpl3IvHxiJZueI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYAhEwE_Q-jW2Kz59b-9w02O6RNW2mextjFAgpVCwm41Ww&oe=67CB4DBD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Those that consume the dead flesh of lower animals will always defend their actions due to their addiction to adrenalised blood. They will never be able to innerstand that dead flesh does not and will not ever energise, hydrate or regenerate cells … fruit however .. 🍉Fruits are hydrating to every cell 🍇Fruits are the cleansers and scrubbers of the body's lymphatic system, the system where 99% of all diseases originate. 🍏Fruits give energy with no sugar spikes and crashes. 🍊Fruits are full of amino acids, the building blocks that make protein in the body. 🍐Fruits are filled with fiber. 🍓Fruits are loaded with antioxidants. 🫐Fruits are packed with vitamins, micronutrients and minerals. 🍍Fruits contain simple sugars which feed every cell in the body. 🥭Fructose in fruit requires no insulin; it enters the cell by diffusion. 🍌Fruits help the nervous system, providing clarity and focus. 🫒Fruits give energy where most other foods take it away. 🥝Fruits detoxify and regenerate organs, glands and tissues. 🍒Fruits digest in one hour, giving the body time and energy needed to cleanse, repair and rebuild. ⚡Fruits' magnetic (electrical) energy is the highest of all foods, making them superior brain and nerve foods. 🍇Fruits are alkalizing to the body. 🍉Fruits contain living water with elements in them to remove the rotting, toxic junk found inside our lymph, organs and glands. 🍎Fruits will regenerate brain and nerve tissue, whereas vegetables will not. 🍏Fruits have the life force of nature itself. 🍊Fruits are the reproductive organs of a tropical flowering plant that flood the brain with rich hormones & bio-chemistry. 🫐Fruits contain components, elements and abilities that ancient peoples recognized...and our scientists are just beginning to discover now. 🥝Fruits contain a seed which if propagated into the soil will germinate & eventually produce a beautiful tree with abundant free fruit for all. "Let fruit be thy medicine, and medicine be thy fruit!" 🍇🍋🍉🍊🍑🍒🍓🍎🥝🍅🍍🍌🍐🍈		Joshua Abrakadabra Christos		119	https://www.facebook.com/CosmicRenegade/	0		NO_BUTTON								View Edit Delete
2731483	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 11:25 PM	1740993485	1749270341		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481231892_1135101258101092_76642093385628514_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mbxnCtqGjssQ7kNvgHJlP51&_nc_oc=AdiYT6kZqNLta4P61KJkzpm-RpZ3FFoiWuLstK_ng2-2zCQabyFiy88yCsjVyNaw-fQ70PrrlJ0tAJhHHo0bUtUz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBfjFAsUYEHd9X9KPpU-cFZzp3Lard0NJ1SA0Es_1ScZw&oe=67CB5D1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731941	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 11:40 PM	1740993495	1749271237		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481665373_535584862347592_7902674834756498508_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AkKE-lu3HFAQ7kNvgGLq2be&_nc_oc=Adj1JxMYMtQfInA-m2lGMDpwhaWIAj-QJ0cIq3FWfGHO-3oVXxSMliZNh5fk0B-vIgEn7B3Ghm72MN0zZnQnlGoQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYDctVOuVpSf8yzHxvSB3L6LueJZFfSrX0NtcTUq7MJipA&oe=67CB3FB6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731458	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 11:42 PM	1740993484	1749271322		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481827585_620553124061965_8385101520167291690_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1YvzPNWYQL0Q7kNvgE7KsNT&_nc_oc=Adi-5t74yewLPPemk4EcBzLaJupGuGd4ztitI2EBe1siQk2oa6y4GdCvdocnu3SK39o_s9ROamoDOVaxLocN0KxE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYDs6ZoMz7v_dsoHyw_5hcUCbaPbTuDBeZ3fLMjpl16ung&oe=67CB36FB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732042	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 11:42 PM	1740993497	1749271369		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	يا إلهي، هل نمت مع رئيسي؟		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16879415-fb-ar-xy35-0126-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=012440&jump=0&exdata=2F22D5A6D2BEFCB7F2FE0930042A4E27698FBF7FF24AC0DB			3.886177176703E+14	Peter TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480922493_1067319268567768_8736305954704316462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J9y3ISuepFAQ7kNvgFub-WE&_nc_oc=AdjHrG2BZ4WKKqeFKmfd6eTPadpF_-nsve-QwdIDRRxx1eOv0evnzUguwqqaAIGHoFlyXp2tnLX_B9i1qNFTogZX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYBVbVp8gMkLTjLVlju1gTUO3WfhrqAcBRnmI6WHxKifxw&oe=67CB40B7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		خان صديق مادلين عاطفتها، فشعرت بالانكسار واحتست الكحول حتى الثمالة. وفي تلك الليلة، وجدت نفسها في فراش نيكولاس، الذي كان يكبرها بثلاثة عشر عاما. ونتيجة لذلك، دخلا في علاقة زواج. ظنت مادلين أن زواجهما مجرد علاقة خالية من الحب، لكنها دون أن تدرك وقعت في الفخ الذي نسجه نيكولاس بحبه لها. كان ينتظر بصبر أن تبادله نفس المشاعر.		Peter TV		36	https://www.facebook.com/61564266545203/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731486	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 11:45 PM	1740993485	1749271523		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481668951_834685068813251_6003481448457788917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_bcIBxdzGCwQ7kNvgFPVA2e&_nc_oc=AdhjjqpT_oLtxebrOWQLGkMefdNfYhTPED9gC7PRxP76iSwIh8i5_7EG32viBDBuarmm0bYMQo0WuivDtSAb0fa-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYAnKgio4xxSCIniNbX4Gb9mLF2jvbPKv2m8coR9aYYNPQ&oe=67CB281D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732202	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 11:45 PM	1740993500	1749271529		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481917715_1480586786239892_211893516286331765_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qDVK8WyGE8QQ7kNvgGig6IF&_nc_oc=Adi3maW70s8aHlaeOKhXKYE9SJf4qkjvg2eqPumD-1LweVHV4o7ZcG6hqdGMI6EvTSsDrTgCy4-t1acemf6PEEQn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYApXIFSG3IFr4CioCicf2P7MOHCEpEOxrxpnU7Zoj5J2w&oe=67CB4F4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732035	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 10:27 PM	1740993497	1749266840		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA69826A75FFA7132CD6785FE33C3EFD1EB39C			1.0260223910568E+14	Moboreader-Ahh	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481298710_1752658625638717_5599274716806075586_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IjDe8wZ-WrgQ7kNvgFJefLh&_nc_oc=AdgOSdVMZrzntImgXnun9-Dk-CKvgq2bI6EFwIV3lFmzncyDHBp-o3x-YZWBPH8dhzmEYHw-CkEI3IiEiGX2gati&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYBEITJxS_L7pJznXxm-XsbYfsw9ebzZLI0rpCu-TtoyVQ&oe=67CB47BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Moboreader-Ahh		2003	https://www.facebook.com/100083399166114/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731504	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 10:35 PM	1740993485	1749267329		2747																											No button			TEXT						1.8404554812994E+14	Born Into Freedom The Locus Lucas Family An American Saga	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481197405_647435164309744_586989876148550397_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LOK0i6rjLkUQ7kNvgFIeGtE&_nc_oc=AdgXhoaAk3RBLBiUoQc81atzwHcSl73pobaEKIvXkA5SS7IfiOoIr3EMnY5sBFD0O7JhkxsVwg6rHRTpV8VBx_vm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYAZ5noh7a8viJ-K62OwhhOd-BL--B_PWtdnRoy9TPg8jQ&oe=67CB3E66	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Please stop by and read other excerpts from the book. Thank you. #Excerpt 12 The Locus Lucas family is one of the oldest families of color in America today, whose lineage traces back to the 1600s in Virginia. They are the largest tri-racial (African, European, and Indian) black-identified family in the country. The book covers eleven generations of the family. From some things, Mr. Kecatan had seen and experienced in his short life on this earthly plane. He told Elizabeth that he had seen many injustices done to people of color because whites claimed a superior place over them. They felt God gave them the right to be lord and master over blacks just because of the color of their skin. Since John was a little lad, he had seen Indians and Africans mistreated in some way or another; by far, the worst to him was seeing acts of hatred perpetrated upon his people. Who couldn’t do anything to defend themselves against white men who had all the power. Miss Elizabeth began to take stock of the men on the estate, noticing the single men, and one caught her eye big time: John Kecatan. He was six feet, with bronze skin, and looked Indian. John had coal black, long, wavy hair, kept braided in two large plaits on either side of his head, dark brown eyes, thick lashes, and full lips. He had a deep baritone voice that rolled over you like water in the desert; weighing about 185lbs., many women desired him. John had such a way with them; everybody knew this, even Rice Jr., and he did not like it. Kecatan was a field hand and usually worked without a shirt, which drove the ladies wild, like female dogs in heat on a summer day. His chest and abdomen were pure works of art, and he glistened with sweat as he worked in the field from sunup to sundown. Elizabeth would see him as he left the house occasionally, and he shared it with some of the men; four different men's cabins were on the farm. John would see Elizabeth Lucie staring at him on occasion, and he would laugh out loud, showing his white teeth. Something within Elizabeth would clench, and her breath would catch in her throat. Yes, he was an excellent specimen of manhood, she thought. One that she would not mind having as her man because she saw something magnificent in him, worth her taking a chance with for all the right reasons, of course. Feelings of goodness moved within her concerning Kecatan, and she did not know why. However, there was one thing for sure: Elizabeth wanted that Indian man, and the rest of the world could go straight to hell if they did not like it; Miss Lucie would not lose any sleep. One day, while coming out of the milk house, where she had just finished her shift, she met John Kecatan, who was coming across the field. His chest shone with beads of sweat that had formed there while John worked in the harsh heat. The same restless tension caused her heart to beat furiously in her chest while creating a sea of happiness that swelled in the core of Elizabeth’s soul. Feelings she had never known before but was glad she felt right then; better late than never, is what Elizabeth thought. The young lady worked up enough nerve to finally speak to him. “Hello John, my name is Elizabeth Lucie. I have seen you on numerous occasions around the estate. So, how are you enjoying the day, beyond work, that is?” “Well, I say that today has been all right, but it’s even better now that I have finally made your acquaintance, pretty lady.” Elizabeth smiled and felt her face grow hot with pleasure. John had just flirted with her, and she felt like a schoolgirl again. From that day on, Elizabeth would see and talk with John at every opportunity they were free to do so, surprisingly including several. One thing that made this possible was John Kecatan had more than one job around the plantation; some might say that John had it made. Master Hoe Jr. was a practicing Baptist and insisted that his servants attend church on Sundays. The church was a grand brick building sitting in the middle of town for all eyes to see. In the back of the church, they stood during the service, where the more impoverished citizens, the indentured servants, and enslaved people. The congregants didn’t feel the slaves should be there because they did not have souls worth saving. Hell, most white people seemed to think that Heaven was for them only, and hell below was where all enslaved people were going, for they were the devil’s children and made only to serve their white Masters. Of course, that was farthest from the truth; there was not one ounce of the Bible in that mess, just man’s carnal thinking. The service lasted about one hour or so and consisted of songs from the hymn books sung by the citizens of Charles City, with several readings of scripture, old and new, from the designated preacher and some heartfelt prayer. On these occasions, Elizabeth would see John standing across the room, and her heart would go into triple time; she was a “good Christian woman” starting her life over. She felt guilty for thinking wayward thoughts in God’s house, so she would stop and focus her attention more on the service than on John, even though it was hard to do. That may have been how it was on Sunday while in church, but when Monday came, she would see Kecatan in his work clothes, and all thoughts of piety went out of her head. Hell, at those moments, the only things Elizabeth could think were lascivious thoughts about the man taking her to bed and having his way with her. Ideas that, if the churchwardens knew, would get her into scalding water. As Elizabeth got to know John better, she let her guard down around him. She found him to be good company and looked forward to spending more and more time with him. Mr. Hoe and his part-time overseer, Obadiah Richland, required their slaves to work from sunup to sundown Monday through Saturday. After sundown, that time belonged to the enslaved people and servants, except for special occasions like a party or holiday feast where some worked. Elizabeth thought she had gotten to know John well, so when accusations were brought against him, saying he had an adulterous relationship with Mary Mangars, it was hard to believe. Mary, you see, was one of the white planters’ wives, and she was with her child. Then came word that she had given birth to a girl of color; Elizabeth was shocked and completely aghast. To her, this was totally against his character. John told her that everyone had more than one side to them; all she had seen was his good side, but like anyone else, he had another side. When John Kecatan was little, he heard the story of the first meeting between his mother’s people, the Kikotans, and the English settlers. They came to shore and pretended to want to make peace with the Indian tribes such as the Pamunkey, the Powhatan, the Kikotans, and many others. These Indians had occupied the land forever. With the arrival of the white man, everything changed, and the change was irreversible. The Englishmen began to trade with the Indian's precious land for worthless blue beads because they were supposedly worn by the rich and powerful. Many Indians during these times were taken captive and enslaved. John knew that he was a descendant of two long-standing, proud people from two different continents who succumbed to the illness of slavery, a complex and dark way of life for any person. Because women knew of John Kecatan’s heritage, some believed tales of black men being well-endowed and fantastic lovers. However, the truth is not all black men are well endowed; the size of any man’s private part has nothing at all to do with him because he did not make himself. Whatever the size of his piece, God made it, and it will do the job. Size does not make a man; he is male because God made him that. Any man can be a great lover if he has the heart to be; then he will fill your life and bed with pleasure beyond measure, regardless of his cock size. However, the thought of such things can warm women’s hearts with intense lustful desires that make their bodies shake. Thinking about that part of the male anatomy drives them wild. John never disclosed the size of his private part beforehand to any female because he didn’t see the need to, but said, “Women thinking such things brought them flocking around him like bees to honey, regardless of their status or race. I feel it’s my job to entertain their lustful desires completely.” Therefore, John did not feel any scruples about any of the things that he had done overall. He was a product of the society in which he lived. Because of the injustices perpetrated on black people, John felt justified in giving what he considered fair retribution. The word of a white person overpowers and outweighs the testimony of any person of color, most of the time. Even though it may not be the truth if a white person accuses a Negro of something, it is like the gospel, no questions asked. It is a shame, but that is how it is for the most part. These were dangerous times in which John Kecatan lived; it was 1664, and race in Virginia was starting to take on a power of its own. Where the color of a person's skin mattered more than the person, Kecatan couldn’t help that he was born a mixed-race person, and he knew that most people could not see past that. Even as an enslaved person, he demanded respect. John also knew that he had a new problem because he was falling in love with a white woman, and that was dangerous. John accepted what people said about him and gloried in it. His actions showed that even if he was enslaved, he did not accept the status quo. John could not bend to the will of his oppressors. John Kecatan was a strong man of high intellect, shaped by the forces of his world. John had a strength born in the hotbed of oppression and tempered to a hard, sharp edge by the power of his will and determination not just to be another regular face in the nameless crowd of the broken, disheartened, and hopeless peons of his age. As Elizabeth listened to John, she realized how irresistible he was and how charming he was in a most compelling way, which shook the ground in which Miss Lucie stood. All these things and so much more made Elizabeth like John and yet a little afraid of him simultaneously. However, Elizabeth did not care; she was like a fish hooked to a rod, and John, the Indian Boy, had taken over her; all her thoughts were overtaken by thinking of him. Negro Jack was whom Elizabeth wanted, and Miss Lucie didn’t care what color he was or what name someone called him by; to her, he was everything and then some. John’s charm and intelligent mind won Elizabeth over; she enjoyed every moment with him. On several occasions, John’s charismatic nature caused women to do whatever they desired because Mr. Kecatan had a way with people. John Kecatan was indeed a good-looking man on every level, and with all that beauty, his personality drew people, even some men, to lust to have one night with him if nothing more. The late Rice Hoe Sr. had a letter of freedom written to John many years ago, stating that if John Kecatan contained himself and obeyed the rules of the plantation, he would be set free after serving eleven more years. Hoe Sr. did not offer such a thing to any other slave, whether excellent or rebellious. For those that were out of order with no hope in sight, he either had them beat into submission or sold off; for a white servant, the terms of their indenture could be sold to someone else. Even though Rice Sr. was a fair man, he did not play. However, he had a soft heart regarding John and his parents. No one knew the whole story about why other than Master Rice Hoe Sr. and his best friend. Mr. Hoe was delighted to have John and his parents on his estate; even though they were his slaves, deep down in his heart, they were like family. He had desired to free John’s parents, but that day never came because they had died before Hoe Sr. could grant them their freedom. Another thing is that Master Hoe Sr. knew that freeing John’s parents meant they would most likely move far away from his place, and Rice Sr. feared he might never see them again, which he was not ready to accept. So, Rice Sr. kept putting it off, and before he knew anything, they were dead. Hoe Sr. had come to care for that family like no other; he didn’t care what anybody thought about it, including his wife or son. After Anna and Abdoulie’s death, Master Rice Sr. still could not bring himself to free John earlier because he would miss him too much. Hoe Sr. knew once John got his freedom, he would leave the plantation and never return, so, in his heart, he was going to wait until the letter agreement came to an end to set Jack the Negro free. Death came for Master Rice Hoe Sr. sooner than he thought because one afternoon, while out for a walk, he dropped dead on his wondrous estate. After John had explained some things, Elizabeth understood things a lot better, and it caused something from her past to resurface that Miss Lucie did not hesitate to share with John. After all, he was now her best friend and confidant; she knew he would understand. Elizabeth told John about being part of the crowd that witnessed the execution of King Charles I. She could remember in minute detail the sights and sounds of that day; hundreds of people had crowded into the square. On January 30, 1649, in London, England, King Charles I stood before the people; Elizabeth saw him converse briefly with the Bishop and the Executioner. The bishop and one of the officials helped him tuck his hair under his cap. Charles had long, gorgeous black hair. Miss Lucie heard him ask if the block could be higher, and the executioner answered no. He placed the cloak back on and said a short prayer for himself. Then, Charles knelt, putting his head on the executioner’s block, and told the man to wait for his signal of readiness, which he agreed to do. The King stated that he tried to do the best for his people because he loved them, and they were his fellow countrymen. That said, the King closed his mouth, composed himself, and stretched out his arms; this was the signal the executioner had waited for, and with one single, clean chop, King Charles I was beheaded. Elizabeth Lucie did not want to see the final moments but could not look away. She had been horrified and sickened by the public spectacle. Some in the crowd cheered, whereas others cried as Charles' head was displayed. Some even went as far as to gather his blood for relics and souvenirs; this was a defining moment in young Elizabeth’s life. She lost the shield of innocence over her eyes and became an adult that day. She decided at that moment to take her fate into her own hands, no matter what the outcome. A person had one life to live; when it was over, there was nothing anyone could do to change a damn thing. #BornIntoFreedomTheLocusLucasFamilyAnAmericanSaga #AvailableOnAmazon		Born Into Freedom The Locus Lucas Family An American Saga		116	https://www.facebook.com/61554939296195/	0		NO_BUTTON								View Edit Delete
2731485	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 10:42 PM	1740993485	1749267744		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.read.goodnovel			1.1171135844559E+14	LoveNovel Hub	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475994913_4134417816844608_4550174888609054259_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WV_DCHHJtaUQ7kNvgGBnzKl&_nc_oc=AdjVuGauK4EwRYz1NMRVWC4B3ojaoyB9XioY-73Dy7XZk-9v3r43yULvlqzP29czHwOd0Wt6kGJa8HwwKxRjp3Jq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDTaLXz4hctF9CVBTmlYwVaR-5kEFkeuPZ0tBhSaEVv0A&oe=67CB2F29	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		LoveNovel Hub		1875	https://www.facebook.com/100088271330703/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732339	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:49 AM	1740993503	1749275358		2747																										www.yumread.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481255393_1362299748302121_3338218908137704649_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bQ17LGh3sccQ7kNvgFU8OTA&_nc_oc=AdiwJEjpn_kiOdBn3dZ_sukpnf7yaWpn1e620dYUV1-MH4DF4ddZ770qnVpfVOiOMbukqB-rJE_KGCjbOcYcbiK0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYCFcZ0pebHWWfDm7bSMwu8aDBCDEx1x0wXpz33SalpggQ&oe=67CB2CE5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731994	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:49 AM	1740993496	1749275362		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9048E595618AC4B60C93DA3494B4C8A120B			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481242983_1624874064900447_167661917954155521_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UrCz2qycGUkQ7kNvgHVWLYI&_nc_oc=Adjq3NHi-uBGwZvnDlh1GoSU0bkEwS1C2DsfWg248GCRodpPtiuiN3PbjUbKVmGgYUXo7iPTVnA2VVxOtZXchmOv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYBZ6R7u54CBNOJJvxXuoejKSyXq0Ht-U92s1Kzcn9TuNw&oe=67CB52D2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732066	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:50 AM	1740993497	1749275426		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE904A7F3A4646ECEFA1D18913675B483F5D3			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480922410_1679248962993202_6553385117661905011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Rcqw-6VenSQQ7kNvgGktW2x&_nc_oc=AdjFeU-UN5z71GtNqm6BSrStQ-4U1FAxKPbJ_RxHAPSaZ48_d1afhI0RJxh3ZmzIn7uQE7iWBzC4iJAjGq_upP1k&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYC_qbuvTSG7g1D_2rWvLHiDGyJk_3H5xqo55t34wD_lzw&oe=67CB2B30	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731983	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:53 AM	1740993496	1749275604		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970B79C94AA2CB463DCDF2FCAC2894B86C9			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481161515_991641595696425_5223258366561545317_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EaeYOerQs-UQ7kNvgGvO1Mr&_nc_oc=AdjDFoRIvR3CD9oChuQH99N3mfehdD3byLj7XZgd2yPeSq2g69myKYZNk2-ZSKk2k_mxW2LvW6dc2bL9JUhSockM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYBZIn5hMfyNtCo0q9g0UFTK9kBhvVHoafQECokD2kl2Qw&oe=67CB3F54	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731824	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:55 AM	1740993492	1749275731		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8637664123143E+14	DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481044755_1329729581508098_5029858976240369925_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FQvRjwoUEQcQ7kNvgHtYifK&_nc_oc=AdhkgJ0RkBID6t8TKfT0BR6lKlc09T4cJi0xla1q_SGKy3blrnureX0qZicekUzb4Wz1Suu9BPGr8_bsr7XrfBHh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYBWYExYiswtvpXGwX7riFtvIpTp7BlAukq3q_f0LlAERA&oe=67CB598D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos		2327894	https://www.facebook.com/61565078571830/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731754	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:58 AM	1740993491	1749275914		2747																										www.novel-oasis.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules📜		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/fwjibt1jfi3mkphu4rk4uebe?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217146022620690&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0044243922423E+14	Novel Yang Booming	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481820330_1275372866862640_6401090823166751213_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ighTammRwkkQ7kNvgGU56Bd&_nc_oc=AdjzxCRWiFpn_FRz9LeoR4TAcVNX9TCxErpC0qD-KYuoPTS8U7HZJIag9GLxg6bxoZDO1Yy3QEGOKpCZU_DWFhOI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYDMLgW9AgUFyEocNtFptPRFfcTXT-lDuN97aZx2sUR4Wg&oe=67CB2E2E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat. Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. 'Does this mean... I'm gonna be fired?' she wondered. Ellison Grant's piercing gaze met hers. "We're getting married. I'll take responsibility." Her mind went blank. 'Since when did successful men become so old-fashioned? One night together, and he's already talking marriage?' she thought. ***** "Joycelyn, you're now twenty-six. Don't tell me you're still a virgin?" The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn's mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall. Having never been kissed, she'd dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming intoxication. Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung inward. Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow. Joycelyn blinked in confusion. 'Why is he in my room?' she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. 'This has to be a dream.' "Is there something on my face?" His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire. "Mhmm." The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy. Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore's whispered words. "A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed," Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life. Joycelyn's tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. 'If I can't have him in real life,' she thought, 'at least I can enjoy this dream.' She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. "Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky." Her lips curved into a playful smile. "Care to test that theory?" The air crackled between them as their eyes locked. Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control slipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. "Is this what you want? Huh?" he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yes," she breathed, the word barely a whisper. Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close, his features were even more striking than the glimpses she'd caught at the office. She found herself tracing every perfect line with her gaze—from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted lips. Her expression shifted from seductive to innocent as their eyes met again. The way she looked at him—he knew exactly what was going on. In one fluid motion, he took control, pressing her against the wall. His fingers guided her hand to his belt, his voice husky with restraint. "Help me with this." Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise. Her heart thundered in her chest. The kiss was both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his buttons and zipper, following his lead. Perhaps because she believed it was a dream, there was no pain—only pleasure. Under his gentle guidance, she even found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender and skilled, though his stamina proved overwhelming. ***** The next morning, Joycelyn drifted between sleep and wakefulness as footsteps approached. 'Why does this dream feel so real?' she wondered, her brow furrowing as Ellison's voice reached her ears. Reality crashed in as she opened her eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V-line disappearing beneath white terry cloth. Memories of the night before flooded her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away just as quickly. "Mr. Grant! Why are you here?" She clutched the sheets tighter. "Last night, we... we..." The words stuck in her throat as his eyes studied her flustered expression. "What exactly are you trying to ask?" He was curious. "I mean, last night, did we..." Her tongue tied itself in knots. "We did." His simple confirmation hit her like a thunderbolt. Clinging to one last thread of hope, she stammered, "But did we actually..." "Yes, we did," he replied firmly. Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the sudden silence. "Having regrets now?" His expression remained unreadable. She wrestled with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping with her direct superior? That was career suicide. "Well, Mr. Grant," she began carefully, "I was drunk last night and barely remember anything. We're both adults—can't we just forget this and go back to normal?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he studied her. "You're still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?" Catching sight of the hickeys she'd left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. "Then at least turn around so I can get dressed." Instead, he moved toward the bed, his weight making the mattress dip. Her breath caught as his handsome face loomed over hers. She tried to retreat, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. In their struggle, the sheet slipped to her waist. Skin met skin, sending tingles of electricity through her body. A shiver ran down her spine. "Mr. Grant—" Her protest died in her throat. Her heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made him more irresistible. "You said you couldn't remember anything," he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers. "Then let me refresh your memory." Her blush deepened as she tried to look anywhere but at him. A glimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well-equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible to contain. His masculine form pressed against her once more. His teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. "Mr. Grant!" She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her. Now fully sober, she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat—they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much longer, her colleagues would surely notice. But he seemed intent on taking his time. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Soon," he promised. She was losing her mind. Biting her lip, she fought to contain the embarrassing sounds threatening to escape. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by the sound of executives laughing in the hallway. "Mr. Grant, lunch is ready. We'll be departing for the office afterward," a voice called out. Joycelyn grabbed this chance like a lifeline. "Mr. Grant, we need to go. We can't be late, and it would be terrible if anyone found out." Her earlier boldness had vanished completely, replaced by panic. Frustration flickered across Ellison's features at the interruption. Rolling away, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a call. A ringtone sounded from the hallway. Taking advantage of the distraction, Joycelyn clutched the sheet to her chest. Spotting a white shopping bag with women's clothing beside the bed, she snatched it up and hurried to the bathroom. "Go ahead without me." He spoke into the phone. "I'll be down shortly." The voices outside soon faded away. Joycelyn dressed as quickly as possible, wincing slightly at her tender muscles. As she emerged, another phone rang in the room. Ellison was buckling his belt when he reached for it. "Yes?" Joycelyn froze in the bathroom doorway, noticing that was her phone in his hand. She lunged forward in panic, forgetting her soreness. Her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled. Still on the call, Ellison caught her effortlessly with one arm. "Hello?" He spoke into the phone. Joycelyn snatched it away, ending the call. Her stomach dropped as she saw the caller ID—Selene Whitmore. Meanwhile, in the hallway outside Joycelyn's room, Selene exchanged shocked looks with their coworkers. "Did a man just answer Joycelyn's phone?" She paused, eyes widening. "And that sexy voice... it sounded exactly like Mr. Grant." .............................................................................. Joycelyn stared at her vibrating phone, her nerves jangling as Selene's name flashed across the screen. She shot up like a startled rabbit, her usual composure shattering. "This is a disaster. They must be suspicious." Her typically clear head spun as she faced this unprecedented situation, her delicate features pinched with worry. Ellison extended his hand for her phone. "What are you doing?" Her face crumpled with alarm as she instinctively pulled back. "Let me handle it," he said, his deep voice brooking no argument. Though she resisted, his commanding presence made her fingers loosen their grip. "Just... don't say anything weird," she pleaded, watching with bated breath as he answered. "This is Ellison Grant. I found this phone last night and will have my assistant return it shortly." His gaze swept over her anxious face. "As for the owner..." Joycelyn's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, terrified that one wrong word would destroy her career. His deliberate pause had her muscles coiling with tension. Her eyes desperately telegraphed: 'Say something—anything!' Noting her distress, he deliberately prolonged the moment, privately amused by her reaction. His lips curved slightly as he continued smoothly, "I'm unaware of her whereabouts." Relief flooded through her. She'd narrowly escaped catastrophe. "I'll have the phone delivered to your colleague." After hanging up, he set it beside his own. "Okay, so when should I go downstairs?" She raised worried eyes to his. "Won't people notice?" Her cheeks burned with mortification. Already shy about romantic matters, sleeping with her boss made her want to crawl into a hole and disappear. He studied her expression carefully, maintaining his composure while she fidgeted. "Everyone's in the restaurant now. Wait here and leave later," he said calmly. "Okay." She perched on the bed's edge, twisting her fingers together. Without hesitation, he began dressing right in front of her. His model-worthy physique and chiseled features moved with practiced elegance. Each glimpse of him sent her heart racing. 'Selene wasn't wrong,' she thought. 'These cool, composed types really are something else behind closed doors.' "I'll take responsibility for this," he stated while fastening his buttons. Her head snapped up in surprise before she shook it vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not! We're both adults—this was mutual. You don't need to take it to heart." She was just an ordinary office worker fresh out of college, while he was a powerful and wealthy man—way out of her league. She repeated variations of "no need," her expression screaming resistance. His brow furrowed slightly. Her reaction made him wonder if he seemed like some villain forcing himself on an innocent girl. "But I'm serious," he emphasized. "So am I! Let's just never mention this again. My only request is that no one else finds out." She dropped her gaze to her feet, wilting under his intense stare. After studying her silently, he relented. "Fine. I'll head down first." "Mm-hmm." Her relief at his departure was palpable. He cast her a final glance before leaving with both phones. Alone at last, she flopped onto the bed with a groan, pummeling the comforter in frustration. "You've lost your mind, Joycelyn! Of all the men in the world, you had to sleep with Ellison?" After wallowing sufficiently, she reasoned enough time had passed for her colleagues to be downstairs. She washed her face, donned a mask, and carefully checked the hallway. Finding there was no one outside, she slipped out quietly, opting for the emergency stairs over the elevator. Linda Lorne stood by the stairwell, frowning as she watched Joycelyn emerge from Ellison's suite. After descending several flights, Joycelyn reached her room and quickly packed. She loaded her luggage onto the bus before heading to the dining hall. As a Fortune 500 powerhouse, Grant Group employed countless talented individuals. Though brilliant women filled its ranks, Joycelyn stood out. Her presence was like morning mist—ethereal, pure, refreshing—carrying an enigmatic grace that set her apart. Sharp-eyed Selene spotted her immediately. "Joycelyn, over here!" she called, waving enthusiastically. As Joycelyn returned the wave, she felt an intense gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she met Ellison's eyes. His sculpted profile and penetrating gaze—the same eyes that had devoured her the night before—sent her pulse racing. 'Why is he still at the entrance?' she wondered. 'Wasn't he supposed to be downstairs already?' "Sweetie, are you still drunk?" Selene asked, rushing over to link arms. "You're walking funny." "Oh, I twisted my ankle in these heels yesterday," Joycelyn mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. After last night's abandon and this morning's encore, her legs felt like jelly. "Hmm..." Selene's knowing smirk widened. "One night away and you're all shy like a blushing flower." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Don't tell me you got tipsy and jumped our Mr. Grant? That walk screams 'too many positions, too much fun.'" She had a sly grin plastered on her face, as if to say, "You can't fool me, I've got my eye on you." Joycelyn nearly collapsed at her friend's astute observation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed, her face flaming. "People can hear you!" Seeing Joycelyn's unusual embarrassment only encouraged Selene further. "Am I wrong? You got drunk, ran into our gorgeous boss, and thought 'I'm 26 and still haven't experienced a man.' Next thing you know..." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "That would explain why he answered your phone this morning!" Joycelyn's already scarlet face darkened further. Each of Selene's guesses hit frighteningly close to home. "That's ridiculous," she protested weakly. "What romance novel are you living in?" Noting Joycelyn's guilty yet defensive expression, Selene's grin widened. She spotted Ellison approaching, surrounded by executives. "If you won't tell me, I'll just ask Mr. Grant himself." Selene raised her hand in greeting. "Hi, Mr. Grant!" Joycelyn's heart stopped as she stared at the approaching Adonis, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She worried that if Selene brought it up, he would use the chance to expose their fling and make her "take responsibility." Her stomach dropped as she realized her carefully constructed denial was about to come crashing down. .............................................................................. "Last night—" Selene began, but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward, cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison. "Thank you for finding my phone, Mr. Grant," she interjected smoothly. "Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable. I can't tell you how grateful I am." Joycelyn's matter-of-fact attitude and effusive thanks over a mere phone made Selene's words die in her throat as she stared in confusion. "Just a small matter," Ellison murmured, his gaze flickering momentarily. "We shouldn't keep you from your meal. Please, go ahead, Mr. Grant." Joycelyn tugged Selene aside, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes. Her gaze locked with his, silently pleading for his discretion. After several long beats of eye contact, he moved toward the dining table without another word. Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath, her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments. Selene had intended to gossip, but she found herself completely captivated by Ellison's charm. "God, he's even more stunning up close," she sighed, watching him go. "Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star." A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn. "If your parents knew what was going on in your head, they'd probably blow a gasket!" "Whatever." Selene rolled her eyes. "Let's eat. I need to get home to my man." Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food-loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes, dropping all questions about the previous night. The retreat ended after lunch. While executives took their luxury cars, staff boarded the company bus. From her window seat, Joycelyn's thoughts drifted until Selene's squeal snapped her attention forward. "Look! Mr. Grant's Rolls-Royce is incredible." Selene pressed her face to the glass. "Why couldn't I be so lucky? I wouldn't mind snagging a guy that hot and rich!" Studying the million-dollar vehicle, Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds. Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother. Before the retreat, her family had attempted to set her up with a short, older man offering a hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift. She'd refused, hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts. Instead, the marriage pressure had only intensified. To delay the inevitable confrontation, Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home. Taking a steadying breath outside her door, she turned the key. The scene inside stopped her cold—her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch. "Who threw my things?" Joycelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Look who finally graced us with her presence," her stepsister Octavia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game. Joycelyn's stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down his cigarette on the balcony and stormed in, his palm cracking across her face. "We raised you, and this is how you repay us?" he roared. "We found you a good match with a generous offer, and you stood him up. Where were you? Out whoring around until this hour?" Only her mother's intervention prevented a second blow. The harsh slap left Joycelyn's cheek throbbing, her eyes wide with disbelief. For years, she'd endured their abuse and insults, surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month. Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle. Something inside her snapped. She swung her bag at his face with all her strength. "How dare you hit me! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me!" "Your father's dead!" Phineas stumbled back, spitting the words. "I'm your father now. If I hadn't pitied you and your mother, I wouldn't have taken in such worthless burdens." "You dare?" Ice crystallized in Joycelyn's voice as she stood tall, unflinching. "I worked my way through college with loans and part-time jobs. My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you. Who's the real burden here?" Her entire frame vibrated with rage. "You manipulated my mother into signing over my father's house. You'd be on the street without us!" The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering he'd caused. .............................................................................. "Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker. Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?" "God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods." Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?" Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family. "Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter. "Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room. "Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?" Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore." "Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed. "My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas. "Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!" Something died in Joycelyn's heart as she watched her mother's passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. "Don't worry, I'm going." Her defiance caught Phineas off guard. "And don't bother coming back!" he shouted at her retreating form. With no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the elevator. ***** Rain hammered the streets as Joycelyn came out. She plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame. Lightning split the sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father's life. Finding shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task. Her eyes burned from all the crying as she checked her phone—5% battery. 'They say God never closes a door without opening a window,' she thought bitterly. 'But my life's just one slammed door after another.' With a hollow laugh, she pulled up the company directory and found Ellison's contact. Her fingers moved before her brain could object, sending a message..[Mr. Grant, I'm Joycelyn Maynard. Does your marriage offer from this afternoon still stand?] The moment she hit send, self-loathing crashed over her. She'd rejected him twice today already; she had no reason to think he would agree to help her now. .............................................................................. Ellison stood by his grandmother's hospital bed, concern cracking his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the oxygen mask. His phone's vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen—his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He then sent a one-word response. [Yes.] The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up? We need to talk.] His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn't the worst option. She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery. 'If he comes, I'll marry him,' she decided. 'If not, be it.' As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother's fragile grasp caught him. "You stubborn boy," Isolde Grant whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you, Grandma. I've found someone—we're getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?" His voice held rare tenderness. Hope flickered in Isolde's tired eyes. "Really?" She struggled to sit up. Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. "Really. I'm going to get her now. You'll meet her in the morning. Rest now." "Promise you're not lying to me." "Never." The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite. After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out. "Mr. Grant, there's a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn't be safe for you to drive," the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave. "It's fine." Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lot. His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel, driving toward its destiny. Fierce wind battered Joycelyn's small frame beneath the bus shelter. She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real protection. Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain hammered the roof like buckshot while trees thrashed in the gale. Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car approached through the pouring rain. The Maybach pulled up smoothly. Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm's fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him—lost, hurt, like an abandoned kitten in the storm. "Get in," he said simply, taking her suitcase. His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered, swollen eyes meeting his. Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze. Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. "Inside. Now." She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip. The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against his chest. His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain. "Are you hurt?" she asked, voice tight with worry. "It's nothing." Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety. Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from chaos. "You must be injured. Let me look at your arm," she insisted, remembering the metallic crash. "Home first," he said curtly without much explanation. The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage. "Here we are." He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm. "Mr. Grant?" Her voice came congested from the cold. "Shouldn't we discuss terms?" She stood by the car door, her reddened eyes watching him with uncertainty. "Change your clothes first." He carried her suitcase and strode toward the elevator. She followed like a shadow, head down—worlds away from last night's bold drunk girl. He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him waiting for her. "State your terms," he said, authority rolling off him. "Or we do this my way." Sniffling, she spoke directly. "Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six months to a year. Separate bedrooms." Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, "You... you said you'd take responsibility." They both knew she had no leverage. "First three points accepted. We'll discuss divorce later." He tilted her chin up. "Explain the separate rooms." Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, "I want my own space, in case you... in case..." Her pale face flamed crimson as words failed. His subtle smile and rain-slicked hair radiated raw magnetism. "In case I want you, I come to your room?" His deep voice held dangerous promise. "Is that what you're trying to say?" .............................................................................. "Well, if there's a need, both of us should cooperate," Joycelyn murmured, her cheeks flushing pink. "Okay, let's go," Ellison said, his voice steady and sure. He turned and walked toward the elevator, Joycelyn trailing behind him, her heart pounding. As they stepped inside, Joycelyn kept her head down, her wet hair dripping onto the floor. She looked like a lost puppy, shivering and small behind his commanding presence. Despite his expensive suit being soaked and her broken suitcase in hand, Ellison maintained an air of calm composure as if nothing could ruffle him. Relief washed over her. He had pulled her out of despair, after all. No woman could resist being cared for in her darkest moments, even if they both had their own motives. "We're here," he announced as the elevator doors opened. He carried her suitcase out, glancing back at the girl, who still stood there, dazed. "Oh," she murmured, quickly following him. The villa was stunning, with cool gray tones that made the space feel crisp and refreshing, much like Ellison himself. Every detail was meticulously crafted, like a piece of art. She had never entered such a beautiful, spacious home before. "The guest room hasn't been used. I'll get you bedding from my room. Go take a shower and change your clothes," he said, handing the suitcase to her. His every word carried the authority of a superior. His voice was cool and commanding, brooking no argument. She didn't dare look at him, only nodding obediently. "Okay." She dragged the suitcase with its broken wheel into the guest room. The space boasted a new bed and sofa, far nicer than her small room at home. Clean and bright, it was several times larger than her previous space, with its own bathroom. She felt a flutter of excitement. Opening the suitcase, she froze. No wonder it felt so heavy—the broken case had let water seep in. All her clothes were soaked. She rummaged through everything, finding nothing wearable. "All wet?" he asked, looking at her suitcase. She bit her lip in frustration. "Yeah, I'll use a hairdryer later." "I'll get you something to wear," he said and left the room. She crouched on the floor, watching his soaked pant legs, her heart racing. Her skin felt hot enough to dry her wet clothes by body heat alone. As she gathered her clothes to wash, he returned with a black shirt. "Use my bathroom. There's no hot water or shower gel here," he said. She looked at the black shirt, lifting her wet face to reveal red, swollen eyes filled with timidity. She stood there gazing at him, clearly hesitating. "Don't catch a cold. I'll help wash your clothes," he said, tossing the shirt at her and scooping up everything from the suitcase. The strength difference between them was stark—she had struggled to lift them. Watching his wet figure, her face flushed deeper. Holding the black shirt, she hesitated but remembered his gentlemanly behavior. 'We're not even officially married yet,' she thought. 'He should still behave.' But she misjudged how men could be. Or perhaps Ellison misjudged his own limits. He put her clothes in the washing machine along with his shirt. Returning, he saw her cautiously moving toward his room. His clear eyes narrowed slightly. She entered the master bedroom in amazement. 'Money sure is good,' she thought. His bedroom alone was as big as a three-bedroom apartment. Unsure where the bathroom was, she stood there, dazed. Ellison approached from behind. As she pushed open the bathroom door, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her inside. The door closed with a soft click. She stood there wet and sticky, looking up at him in shock. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered. The previously composed man was now shirtless, standing in the bathroom with her. "To avoid catching a cold, we'll shower together," he said calmly, making her blush deeply. "No, you go first. I'll wait," she struggled to escape. Ellison, seeing her embarrassment, let go but lifted her onto the counter, standing close. "Embarrassed?" he asked. "No." She shook her head, water dripping from her hair onto her pale face, making her look soft and vulnerable. He cupped her face. "You bit and scratched me yesterday. Today, you'll wash me as punishment. Fair, right?" His deep voice in the quiet bathroom was mesmerizing. She blushed deeply, her eyes flickering over his bare chest. He had a perfect body, tall and well-built. Rainwater dripped from his hair, tracing the contours of his muscular frame, down his throat, and across his broad chest. She saw the bite mark she had left in retaliation for the pain he had caused her. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen a man so closely. She couldn't look away, her eyes lingering on his wet, defined abs, remembering the feel of his hard muscles. Her body grew hot. He took in her every expression. "Don't I look better without clothes? Hmm?" She covered her face with embarrassment. "I don't want to answer that." He carried her under the shower, the warm water making her already hot skin even hotter. He guided her hand to his pants. "Help me take them off."		Novel Yang Booming		113	https://www.facebook.com/100077426966140/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732063	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 2:24 AM	1740993497	1749281075		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	The Unwanted Wife's Unexpected Comeback		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE904ADEA86D5E9FDBC925D60F4D5E4585E7A			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482302470_593728040332590_7947441242855506452_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Es1xVsJuR30Q7kNvgGrg1y9&_nc_oc=AdhgpMCaipi5p6ERiRLisDCs17AlsiW3otF1s99C2bTrZWh2K0M_BuuX-lAQ20A8OyPanxxBdVLJ3xTRspt7AXqM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYAWfRtirkWZ4zMKGj2b2E2zpaXxCRzRPgv0BJabqRtwCQ&oe=67CB41D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731980	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 2:55 AM	1740993496	1749282948		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919700F0B39381D728F2E434F79C88787ECC5			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481243380_1323021005659026_3463557046017514109_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lsGpUjq4dCMQ7kNvgEJ2JHy&_nc_oc=AdhFHA-IZh7veDx2D-hcCMlqSBCyZJnnfag2i6Lqz1fghAmWvRSGeUfoJr-Kyk-mamFgCsoQUHoVvAaJvZdUdYIH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYC4t-iw2r2xaDu-kloS6BpbiyPN4d7gR4P3VGl2iPGOog&oe=67CB5AFB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731995	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 6:01 PM	1740993496	1749078060		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Una Seconda Occasione con la Mia Amante Segreta		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			4.1221819197276E+14	Video reel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481228883_1016900483647695_428936695336857632_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rsDRWTzkTxQQ7kNvgG2G3jq&_nc_oc=AdjVfzaDT7IUg6CANHlue4v6H6gLI_pSSCV2WQJeWhkYDNpOAnVcpnVlkbIuWU3IQJVx9r-ThoqB5s5pjWDIjVQS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYDEwxchHD0zY4bAXBUddeuL4_oqA-suyJ0HbnGgdqYtxQ&oe=67CB3687	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Addicted in 5 secondi, ho guardato tutto fino al gran finale in un colpo solo! Specialmente l'episodio 6. &1&		Video reel		3504	https://www.facebook.com/61565051422822/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731947	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 1:53 AM	1740993495	1749279226		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481660652_1677073749881617_7702515482348761794_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rCjXKwygDB8Q7kNvgFq8haX&_nc_oc=AdhqR05n6EaOGIeD4JIHlI5RkaU6w3tXXwu8XL_uLtrc5HWhNfAK6p8BLSux2tcY-3FmXSpReAgUHkyHvS9x6tfb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYCtudMH4lfpX2h5md3J-jQiLTyMZBUusXSQ1FADp-W-XQ&oe=67CB4D07	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731815	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 1:55 AM	1740993492	1749279302		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481777106_2782380971964491_4744613585380215238_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fIcEHVJisc4Q7kNvgHAVLaR&_nc_oc=AdjAGpiPrtauIKn3MOo9ehmEkikwApKwBaxOk0T-66-9rxtiWJimkJVLn4rtmCDdpzi1gJ9mVaC9NgsHj6lC99B3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYAQIHtkBNlFF6uHYkW-ufhdJjVtZMVPpgvb6bgwEv6Djw&oe=67CB2F33	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731476	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 4:20 AM	1740993485	1749288034		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482277836_963368218839436_4540234781611370032_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wyV3BUvHynQQ7kNvgHPnDRE&_nc_oc=Adj9KCX7VXGicdQteGSWz-CWDEQ78RM58bIKhWv13a6aFuiMk96DgCnLH6ysPky4UBKo6NPUxgm2XBbMkfhiflNz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYA_b7jjYAiqqSDNw3mpY0POvoHyHiZwddfkmdAElbdfAw&oe=67CB3657	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732292	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 4:20 AM	1740993502	1749288046		2747																										edcrfvgroup.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥「Mi esposo pandillero me mima hasta el paraíso」 exclusivamente en GoodShort TV👉👉👉		https://edcrfvgroup.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18960&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.2820158038384E+14	GoodShort	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481166524_1151039970033707_1051283611427418473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zsOzAQHy2GYQ7kNvgHcqu_n&_nc_oc=AdiK_3zMXJFDHLYTWhEASQjKzOfV5q_kY4qbQSpb4JveOh5VZ1MeMFLQEBHXWgCvoGg5sIYs_GLGZAL8OWRMN8ZP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBC2g-bDD0LBlAU0XGU2lZqNbrIQ3HiNqunKoewC6IsrQ&oe=67CB2A48	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞🔥Una noche salvaje y ¡boom! ¡Estoy embarazada de un maldito gánster! Pensé que mi vida había terminado, pero en cambio, me malcrió muchísimo: jets privados para cada revisión, armarios repletos de ropa de diseñador y cualquiera que se atreviera a meterse conmigo... ¡se fue! #GoodShort		GoodShort		534160	https://www.facebook.com/61556764381923/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732335	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 4:22 AM	1740993503	1749288140		2747																										www.yumread.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481464313_955833336739969_6651807175210252998_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t5Y9UajsrxcQ7kNvgFu6IXn&_nc_oc=Adizjv2f1bxMbDC4P9w5Ww-VAWBmRPC39QCKuUXW0-sVrcEE_GiNMZxZDsisWQSIx9M230v6LDDGS3ltNxHcFVji&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYDymmwiRvYhoBY7uzx9CkDjgoWCQJk_5gtTgKgdy5oaWg&oe=67CB2B77	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732276	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 3:22 AM	1740993502	1749284546		2747																										tastenovel.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	Lying under different Alphas every night, I was already marked several times.		https://tastenovel.readlife.mobi/47nm10c00.html			1.0264170208862E+14	IReader	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481046157_613451824645770_1019017904815054757_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x5YS5ThwkzoQ7kNvgF06yHV&_nc_oc=Adh0uNbz_mnheLpF4RBYytODiSBghHHewqH1ldVsboJNMb61YZCqJ3H271iF4BZd8X7Ev6tk2K_bNQm_6ocS349j&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCak4R3mi0YElc3xZ4fjxSVmhvMvOjLUp_UWO475_hT7Q&oe=67CB4C1A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥🔞My best friend was inside me. On my boyfriend's bed. Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him. "I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, getting ready to give my boyfriend my cherry. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I looked up into his eyes. I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" He froze above me at that moment and his groggy voice spoke above me, "Avery?" It wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's voice, but my best friend... Alpha Xade's! Avery's pov Today is my boyfriend Kyan's birthday and I wanted to surprise him by seducing him and giving him my virginity. I had planned it for months and I think I am finally ready to give it to him, however, things get a bit complicated when it's not him that ends up inside me. ___ "I think it's too much," I grumble under my breath, tugging at the very short skirt I had borrowed from my friend Melissa. It's a floral figure hugging skirt that showed off my body in a very sexual way. I topped it off with a simple white cropped top and wore the silver necklace Kyan gifted me a few months ago for my twentieth birthday. Under it is a red lace thong and bra, Kyan's favorite color on me. He said it makes me look incredibly sexy and I want to look incredibly sexy tonight for him. She rolled her eyes where she was on the bed and let out a puff of air. "I think you look sexy and Kyan will not be able to take his eyes off you." I chewed on my lips. She was probably right. Melissa had a knack for being right anyway. I pushed up my glasses on my nose and twisted around to get a better look. I was skinny but had a good size bottom and chest area. "You look good V, now go surprise your man!" Melissa hopped off the bed and strut over to me and gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. She did something funny with her lips and then motioned for me to sit on the chair. " Let me curl your hair better. Maybe add a little makeup too," her voice beamed with excitement to doll me up further. I sat in the chair for longer than was necessary getting my hair curled to perfection by my bubbly friend who had mentioned she was tired earlier but the exhaustion seem to have magically disappeared. Afterward, Melissa did my makeup and I clenched my eyes shut as she sprayed the setting spray on my face. I scrunched up my nose and she giggled. " Come on its not that bad," she snorted. " Oh, it is," I say, holding in my sneeze. I hated the setting spray, it would always raise up my sinuses. Melissa set it down on the table and lifted her hand up in surrender. " Okay I am done, I no longer have the weapon," she shifted to the side so I could see my reflection in the mirror. I am stunned. Just a little bit of makeup and it has enhanced my beauty by a lot. I looked bewitching with the way she added the eyeliner. Wow. It brought out my grey eyes, I can even see the small flecks of green that have always been hard to notice. "You look incredible and he'll be so happy to see you," Melissa whispered, giving me a smile while she fixed up my curls. I nod, sighing. "I hope so. It's a surprise." I played with the ends of the skirt nervously. "He will love it," Melissa grinned and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Now hurry before the dorm monitor catches you sneaking out." I nod, standing up and feeling the weight of nerves settle in my stomach. Seeing my anxiety Melissa squeezed my hand reassuringly. She knew what my plan was and even though she didn't quite like Kyan, she told me it was my decision to give him something so precious to me. After a small prep talk from her, I walked out of the dorm, throwing the side bag strap over my shoulder and smiled at one of the girls who walked by. It's late already, around ten thirty p.m. Kyan should already be in his bed. He had already texted me earlier to say he was off to sleep. It took me a good ten minutes to get to Kyan's dorm which he shared with Xade Archer, the notorious bad boy on the campus and my best friend who I had known for years. We had grown up together and practically knew everything about each other. Joined at the hip my mom would joke about. My family always moved when I was younger and we finally settled in a small town where his dad was a mayor. I can remember the day we met, we were around ten, and me being shy hid behind the teacher who was introducing me to the class. Xade was the first to become my friend after an annoying girl pushed out her foot to trip me. I had stumbled and fell right on top of him and let's just say we had been the closest ever since. As I near the door, a bundle of nerves shook me. Xade was not home, Kyan had mentioned he went off to a party and wouldn't be back yet. Knowing Xade, he'd not be back until morning so this was a good opportunity for Kyan and I to do the deed while he was away. I'd definitely not want my best friend to hear me have my first time with his dorm mate. That would not only be embarrassing but I didn't think I would be able to face him again. The pressure in my lower stomach was weighing down heavily and my pulse quickened. I hauled in air through my nose and pushed it out lightly through my mouth, trying to relax my growing anxiety. My body had become clammy and I was sure if I didn't get in that room soon, I'd collapse. The corridor was empty, thank God for that. I didn't want any guy to see me sneak in the room even though my boyfriend is in there. I flushed. They'd definitely know what we will be doing in there. I took out the spare keys Xade had given me months ago. I wanted to surprise Kyan and this came in handy. My clammy and trembling hands struggle to push the key in the hole and after a few struggles I finally did it without waking up anyone. The room is completely pitched black and I contemplate if to put the lights on or not. But decided I was nervous enough as it was and needed it to be dark to even grow some confidence. It shouldn't be bad right? Just stick it in and be done with it? I closed the door behind me lightly, seeing the shape of his figure in his bed, covered by his sheets. He's facing away, sleeping on his side. My heart raced. This was it. I would finally give him my virginity. I walked to the bed, taking my time so I'd not trip. I'll just be quick. With anxiety building in my body, I reach his bed and leaned forward, whispering. " Kyan," He let out a sound, kind of like a tired groan but I wasn't sure. The sound of my heart was ramming too loudly in my ears for me to focus on his response. He shifted, turning on his back and I quickly straddle him, my breathing coming in short pants as I got ready to give my boyfriend my virginity. # 2 Avery's pov Just get it over with Avery. I chanted in my head as I leaned forward and kissed Kyan's cheek. I frowned when I felt a slight bit of stubble. He had shaved yesterday, was it possible for his stubble to grow back so quickly? The thoughts flew out quickly when his hands clamped on my hips to keep me on his lap. His hands made me squirm. His touch was lighting up a fire in me. It burned. I lifted slightly and pushed down the sheets off him and straddle him once more, moaning when I felt him nudge at my opening. He makes a soft grunt sound again under me and I took this as an invitation to kiss down his chin while I begin to dry hump him, rolling my hips in a way I thought would be seductive. It worked because he was so hard as a rock under me, I could feel him pressing against me. Wow. He felt huge! Was he even going to fit? I nibbled on his chin, making him buck up his hip and of course for his hardness to rub against me. Since I had a short skirt on it was hunched around my waist and my thin lace panties was a sad excuse of a barrier. He felt so hot. And I was so wet. " I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, rolling my hips over him to feel him. He felt so good. It's kind of strange actually, I have straddle him before but it has never urged me to feel so incredible or want more. In fact before, I would squirm and make an excuse for us to not go further. But tonight, something has changed. There's a burning desire, a need, a claim to have him inside me. I rocked my hips and his hands on my waist tighten as he pumped up, groaning sexily. He sounded more hoarse too. Sexy. So sexy. I am so wet I can barely think. All nervousness flew out the window when I felt just how excited he was under me. I press my palm to his bare chest, surprised by how tone it felt. It's never felt this tone before but perhaps it feels a bit different now that he is naked. I push out my tongue, running it along his cheek, an odd need to taste him overcoming me. He grunted, hips flexing up, his hardness smacking against me. His fingers dig into my hips and then they sweep over to my bottom, gripping them. " Oh," I moaned, rolling my hips more and surely wetting his boxers with my juices. But I didn't care. I was finally going to do this. My nips harden when one of his hand grip my breast and squeeze. His touch burned through me and sent shivers of pleasure to rake through my body. I needed him. Gosh I needed him. I panted, letting out little sounds of pleasure as he rocked his hips up to meet my little dance. I could no longer wait. There's something building, something I want right now. I am desperate as I push off him a little and free him of his boxers. I can't really see him but I feel him when I wrap my fingers around his girth. Oh hell. He really is huge. I gulped. Even though there's a little fear that he won't fit, my walls cry, begging for him to come right in. I push out a nervous breath, straddle him and with one hand push my panties aside and guided his tip at my entrance. He feels so hot in my hands and I can feel him pulse. It's now or never. Holding my breath, I pressed down, taking the head of him into my very tight opening. My jaw slackened and his loud moan made me shiver. Oh God. This feels so good even though it stings. He goes back to gripping my hips, hard and pushed up slightly as I descend on him, pulling him further into me. "Ohh," I whimpered when the head of his member brushed against my hymen, the barrier. I can hear his strangled breathing in the room, feel his pulsing length inside me, snuggled by my walls that clench around him. I am soaking him and he seems to enjoy this. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. And I did, with one push, I let him break through me and bit my tongue by the tight full feeling. My thighs shook and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Hell, he was too big. I stilled with him inside me, trying to adjust to the mere size of him. It feels like he had grown bigger if it was possible and I feared he'd stretch me out so much I'd need stitches after this. He rubbed my hips, still pulsing inside me. It was as if he was trying to soothe me and it was working. My aching muscles begin to relax around him and the pain dulled until I no longer felt it. However, I can feel him. Hot and throbbing. Every inch of him was inside me, every single inch. My walls squeezed around him and he groaned, nails digging back into my flesh. The sounds coming out of his mouth were sexy and in response I became more wet and the fire that pricked me earlier began to bloom once more until I needed him so badly. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I lifted slightly, my walls gripping around him in reluctance to let him out. But if I don't move and ride him I would die. I stopped until the tip alone was inside me and slide back down on his length. He shuddered, pulsing and gripped my waist as I began to move. Our rough breathing filled the room as I bounced on his hardness. He filled me over and over and I swore he was growing. He pulsed, gasping as I rocked my hips. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it was so so good. Why hadn't I done this with him sooner? I can see myself doing this with him more than once tonight. Hopefully, before Xade gets home. My skin was prickled with beads of sweat, on my forehead and even on my upper lip. His body seemed to be growing warmer too and the sounds that left his throat grew a bit more.....rouged. I gasped, pressing my palms on his hard chest and riding him. I could feel every inch of him, feel the tip of him nudge against my womb. He feels so good I whimper. " Ohh hmm," I moaned, my clit throbbing and my walls sucking him in. With a hiss, Kyan flipped us over as if he was fed up with my slow movements and was desperate. A scream tore through my throat when he angled my hips up and began to pound into me, feeding me his huge girth. It's a good thing I was so wet. The sounds of our intimate parts meeting was even louder than our loud breathing and cries of pleasure. He hovered above me, so powerful and intimidating. He pressed against me, one of his fists beside my head while the other hand gripping my top and tore it off, revealing my red lace bra. He couldn't see it in the dark but he felt it. He cupped my breast, his thumb brushing against the lace material where my nips had beaded hard for him. I let out a strangled moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I am aware that I am growing even more wet and I am so aware of how hard he's pounding into me right now. I don't tell him it's too much because I took all of it. I took every inch he gave me and I loved it. I loved it so much I moaned out ' yes please give me more.' And he did, angling his hips in a way that made the tip brush a very sensitive part inside me that made me let out a scream of pleasure, my eyes rolling back. I am very sure I may have woken up most of the guys rooms that are closer. I almost felt bad. Almost. But I was so full of pleasure and so full of him that I couldn't think about anyone else or how loud I truly was. My walls gripped him as he thrust in and out and he grunted above me, dropping his head on my chest and pushing down my bra to reveal my bareness. I cried when his lips wrapped around my bud, nipping and sucking. I shivered. His hair was brushing against my neck, soft and smelled strangely of apple. Since when does Kyan use the apple shampoo I bought for both him and Xade? The thought flew out the window when his teeth wrapped around my pebble and he bit hard. My hips bucked up at the assault and I scratched down his back, surely marking him with my nails. " Oh," I whimpered, becoming a mess under him. " Oh please," I moaned, pushing my hips up so I could take every inch he was giving to me. He groaned and let out a sound that didn't quite sound human, however, I was too lost to focus on it or question what I had heard. Tears were flowing down but it was not because of pain but because of mind-blowing pleasure. The tip of him was rubbing against that sweet delicate spot again and was creating a pressure feeling that was building up like a tight fist in my lower stomach. Every nerve in my body seems to be on fire and it feels like I am on the verge of exploding. I am panting, trying to catch my breath as his rhythm changes into a more desperate urge. He was pounding me into the bed. The headboard knocking on the wall with loud aggressive pounds. If he keeps up this pace the bed might break. His thrust became more urgent, more hungry and I cried out with every thrust of his hips angling forward. I cling to him, my thighs shaking as I cry in desperation to free the tightness that had built in my lower stomach. He let my bud go with a pop and brought his mouth so close to mine that I was sure he would kiss me. But he didn't, only kept his lips so close that it felt like he was teasing me, which made me feel more desperate. His breath mingled with mine, every pant, sigh and moan drawing me closer to releasing that tightness I felt. His breathing was ragged and fast, hitting my lips as if taunting me to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. But I always hated Kyan's kisses and didn't want it to ruin the pleasure he thrust into me at the moment, so I don't give in to my craving and bit my lips to try to suppress the sounds of pleasure coming out of my mouth. Kyan growled above me. I noted how the sounds that left his throat almost reminded me of an animal. It sounded so possessive, so primal, so beastly. And as I looked up into his eyes, though I knew for sure I would not be able to see them, I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? That's odd. Just as I saw the strange color, I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" Kyan froze above me, yet his tip shoot his warm cum in me while I squirm and shiver as I come undone under him. I am still riding the after shocks of my pleasure when Kyan's groggy voice spoke above me. Only that it wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's, but my best friend Xade's. "Avery?" # 3 Avery's pov My heart seized. Completely stopped working. His voice had entirely penetrated and punctured the haze of pleasure we had just been in. Xade. This voice above me belonged to my best friend Xade. The cock inside me belonged to my best friend Xade. The dick I had just been riding... Xade.... Xade! I try to wrap my head around the situation I had just put us in as realization dawned on me. Something heavy dropped in my stomach. Was it dread? Fear? Regret? I wasn't sure. I couldn't think properly with his cock still throbbing inside me. And it didn't help that it was growing back hard and twitching. With trembling hands I push them on his sweaty chest, the same chest I had press against while I rode him. Oh God. My face heated up, the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. " Oh my God," I whispered, tears of shame pricking the corners of my eyes. This cannot be happening right now. I did not just sleep with my best friend. I did not just give him my virginity. I did not just get rammed by Xade freaking Archer. What have I done? What have we done? There was no going back now after this. The line is already blurred. Oh my God. My face was so hot I knew I was so beet red. I am thankful he cannot see me right now. " V?" he whispered softly and his cock twitched. Oh God this is embarrassing. " I'm sorry," I found my voice and clenched my eyes tightly as it came out filled with shame and regret. " I thought Kyan was home and you were out. I- I choked up, my chest heaving as I fought the bubble of urge to cry. How humiliating. If I had just put on the lights I would have noticed it wasn't Kyan and this wouldn't have happened. I just gave Xade my virginity. I tremble under him and Xade flipped us over, holding and hugging me as I cried with silent embarrassed sobs. He was still very much inside me and still hard. His hands lift in my hair and he soothed. " Shhh it's okay V," But it was not. We just slept together, I mistook him for my boyfriend who was his roommate and good friend and gave him my virginity. And not only that but he and Mel had a thing going on too. The line was more than blurred right now it was trashed. I screwed up. " I didn't- I hiccuped, sobbing and burying my face in my hands. I would do anything for the ground to open and swallow me whole to avoid this embarrassing situation. " I am so s-orry Xa-de," I croaked out, I didn't want to lose him. I definitely didn't want this to come between us. How would I face both Melissa and Kyan too? Oh God. When I felt another twitch inside me, I grew hot and awkwardly pull off him. I can't believe he was hugging me while still being inside me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed. I winced. Now that the haze of desire had evaporated, the pain of my muscles being pounded and used was very present. It feels like I had been rammed by a truck. Xade was definitely packing like Mel had boasted about. I winced. Mel... How was I so stupid to not have noticed that this had been my best friend all along. The strawberry scent, only Xade used the shampoo I bought them. Kyan had said it smelt too fruity and I knew Xade hated it but he was always one to make me feel happy. He was always more toned than the guys here too, and his hands were massive. I should have known they were not Kyan's clumsy hands. Xade had mapped my body with his fingers too skillfully for it to have been Kyan's. And those groans that had fluttered beside my ear, the grunts of pleasure- My face is hot and I scramble to right my panties, fixing my skirt as I rolled off the bed. Xade reaches out for me, his long fingers wrapping around my wrist to stop me. I sucked in a breath at the burning feeling his hands left on my skin. I had always felt it, but tonight it was way hotter. Almost like a scorching tingling fire. " Wait," his hoarse voice says through the awkward air. My heart rams against my chest. Oh God. Don't say anything to embarrass me please. I already didn't know what more I could tell him. Tears burned my vision. I really had royally screwed up. " We don't have to say anything," his voice is a whisper in the dark, caressing me. I hated that it did. " What?" I breathed out, my heart kicking up a notch. " We don't have to let anyone know," his thumb brush against my wrist as if trying to soothe me yet coax me to come back to bed. I didn't know which one. " This can stay between us." My heart leaped in my throat. Is he saying that we should pretend this never happened? That I never gave him my virginity? Would it save our friendship and our relationships? " Like it never happened?" I whispered into the night, searching for his eyes but it was so dark I couldn't see anything. It takes a good while for him to answer and when he did it comes out hoarse and thick. " Yes," he replied. " Like it never happened. You thought I was Kyan and I thought you were Melissa." His words feel like a punch in the gut even though they were nothing but the truth. However, he was giving us a way out of this shameful incident and how could I not take it? We could go back to how things were right? I will be able to face him tomorrow? I swallowed and nod. " Like it never happened." I agreed and pulled my arm free of his grip and fixed my clothes that he had ruffled. My top was yanked down but thankfully he had not torn it during his ravaging. As I left the room and closed the door behind me, the ache between my legs mocked me with a memory that I will never forget. # 4 Avery's pov Forget Avery. Forget about his breath on your lips, his cock inside you. Forget about it. Everything will go back to normal tomorrow. I chanted in my head as I made my way down the corridor. I am thankful it is still empty and no one is around to witness my walk of shame. As I made my way down the stairs I winced, the throbbing pain between my legs pushing back the thoughts of what had just happened. I still can't believe I had mistaken Xade for Kyan, straddled him and didn't give him a chance to protest as I practically seduced him. Why hadn't he said a thing? Why didn't he say Melissa's name? If he had I would have known who I was sleeping with. Sure he had been sleeping and probably tired when I approached him and straddled him but afterward he was clearly wide awake and practically pounded into me. I shook my head, blinking back the guilty wave of tears. I sniffled and continued my way down and froze when I saw the familiar chocolate color hair. Kyan. My heart thrummed. How could I face him after what I had just done? Panic settled in my stomach and I am begging God for a way out of here without him seeing me. But it would be impossible. There are only stairs up ahead and nowhere else to hide. And Kyan is already making his way up with a bag of chips in his hand and a soda. Had he gone out to buy those stuff while I had been with Xade? A swam of guilt and shame made me stumble and I nearly fall, grasping for the rail before I hurt myself. The little rush of surprised air from my lips pulled his attention, something I didn't want at the moment. Great. Just flipping great. He looks surprised to see me, as he should since I hadn't told him I'd be coming over. Giving him my virginity was supposed to be a surprise, a birthday gift for him being patient...well kind of. I was no longer a virgin.... Kyan had been my boyfriend for two years now. We met at this very college and he and Xade became friends and roommates. That's how we got introduced and a few months later I finally accepted his offer to a date. We never really had that spark but seeing Xade having that crazy college experience I decided to give it a shot too. Kyan was great, not a very good kisser but he was sweet and would buy me cotton candy. He wasn't Xade drop dead gorgeous but he was fairly attractive with chocolate hair, brown eyes and a sharp jawline. He was attractive enough to garner girls attention when we were out, not as much as Xade capture but one or two girls would certainly look. " Babe?" His thick brows are furrowed and a look of confusion cast through his eyes as he bounds up the stairs a bit more hastily. I nervously smiled, awkwardly stopping so he'd not notice how I walked. If he saw, he'd definitely know that I had been fucked. " Yeah." I croaked and inwardly closed my eyes in frustration. This night couldn't have gotten any worse. He smiled when he reaches me, towering over me even though he was a step lower than me. " I wasn't expecting to see you here," he leaned forward for a kiss and my belly did that odd somersault thing that nearly poked my urge to vomit. Before his lips could touch mine I turn my head so his lips could touch my cheek instead. I feel so guilty it's eating me up inside. He pulled away, his brows furrowing more. " What's wrong?" he demanded. I smiled awkwardly. " Oh nothing," I lied. " I just had some onion chips earlier and I know you hate the stench of onion." Was I being too obvious something happened? I didn't know how to act. This was the first time I have screwed up so badly and didn't know what to do. I was always the 'good girl' like they had labeled me for years. A good girl doesn't sleep with her best friend whose girlfriend was my friend. A good girl doesn't mistake her best friend for her boyfriend. If I was being obvious, Kyan didn't show it and smiled, nodding. " So why are you here?" his eyes twinkled. " At this hour and wearing this sexy skirt?" his eyes drop to my skirt. I flushed, not because his words invoked the fire Xade had earlier but did the opposite. I shifted on my feet. " I- Come on Avery think. " I was coming to surprise you but I saw Xade in there. Didn't you say he was out?" I pointed my thumb at the back of me. Kyan shrugged, shifting the bag in his hand. "Yeah he came back earlier. Something about the full moon and a headache." Right. Xade said he hated full moons because somehow he always feels like shit whenever it's up in the sky. For years when a full moon shows up, Xade would be locked in his room. But when we were back in the small town, he and his family would not have anyone come to their estate during that time. Some people thought they were odd, but I didn't. Concerned curled in my belly. Was he okay? Is that why he had been trying to sleep it off and I came up and practically screwed him? " Now I am intrigued," Kyan pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and want. His tongue licked across his lower lip and his eyes lowered to my cleavage. The little that showed. " What kind of surprise?" I smiled nervously. I had surely trapped myself. " Just a sweet surprise. Nothing special. But I must go now, Mel texted me that the dorm monitor is hot tonight and I don't want to get caught." " Oh," Kyan murmured in disappointment but still nod. " I'll see you tomorrow then?" he goes in for kiss but I sidestep him and wave. "Yeah," I strut down the stairs without looking back. " I'll see you tomorrow." If I can still walk that is. It was taking everything in me to make my walk look natural, but the ache between my legs was refusing for me to look natural right now. # 5 Avery's pov When I got back to the dorm, I was breathing hastily. Melissa is already asleep but when she hears me stumble a bit on one of her heels, she turns around and puts on the lamp. I winced, lifting my hand over my face to block the assault. " Well well well," she drawled out playfully. I wished she hadn't because now I felt even more guilty. " What do we have here? Hmm? A girl who had just gotten shagged?" " Christ Mel," I turned beet red under her scrutiny and looked away, pushing off the shoes I had on. " I did not get shagged." Oh but I did. Hard and fast. By....Xade. Melissa lets out a rush of disappointed air. " Really? But your hair looks a mess and you're spotting a red flush. Even your skin looks sweaty. I know when someone just got fucked V." I gulped, my hand instinctively going to my hair to fix whatever was a mess. " It's very windy outside." I half lied, going to the closet so I can change. I am tempted to go to have a shower, but I feel so tired I just want to sleep. " Uh huh," Melissa didn't believe me and I don't blame her. I didn't sound convincing at all. Guilt bit through me and I am thankful she doesn't question me further. After I put on the huge shirt that covered my small figure to my knees, I made my way to my bed and sank in the sheets. Mel puts off the lights and I turn on my back, my palm lying flat on my stomach as I stared at the dark ceiling. I didn't like this feeling of guilt but I didn't like the feeling of craving for more either. I sighed, forcing my eyes closed and wishing I could just forget the night but knew that it was impossible. __ The next morning I am grateful I do not have classes until later today. I can sleep in for a little longer and try to heal my aches naturally with more sleep. I hadn't caught a wink of sleep last night and had tossed and turned. Even Mel got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Xade and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. " You lucky bitch," Mel say as she leaned forward to put on her canvas shoes. She lift her head, her braids falling over her face. " No morning classes. What I would do to be you right now." Trust me Mel, you'd not want to be right now. But instead of speaking my thoughts, I only sent her a smile and tugged the covers to my chin. " I get to sleep in longer, enjoy your lecture." I closed my eyes, forcing out a fake yawn. " Hey, we're still up for afternoon brunch with the guys right?" My eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I had completely forgotten that we had set up a kind of double date with the guys at the diner where I worked at. I swallowed. Xade will be there...and Kyan and Melissa. Fuck my life. " Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. " Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since last night?" she questioned, straightening her spine. I shook my head. " I am fine, just may have caught a little draft because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. " But you know how busy Xade gets around this time," she pouted. " He barely makes time for me." I wanted to point out to her that Xade and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Xade didn't do relationships, however, he and Mel have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl before. Things may be getting serious and I hope I haven't ruined it. " Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. " Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. " I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder and I replied back. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shooting right through my soul instantly. " Xade?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and wincing at the movement. His eyes flicker to my thighs and I instantly flushed as I am now reminded again of what happened. So much for pretending nothing happened between us. I suck at this. Melissa let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close by I was sure cringed. However, I don't cringe, only sink my teeth in my bottom lip as my heart feels like it has just been ripped out of my chest.		IReader		106540	https://www.facebook.com/IReader.story/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731607	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 3:50 AM	1740993488	1749286248		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👇Download Short TV to watch more series🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480948832_653845790438092_4464954463151919121_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rUv9IPU58-sQ7kNvgHP0Od6&_nc_oc=AdijmQ7J0r0_1TgQKYC_t5gsZ1-BdzFIEq_aorU8bSi5Wvav1m0pqkcJztM0hzDc2LupgxJT-0ex9nA1KR_6rgo5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYDA0hr_RqEsyEfeSAetDpkej3NZ8gWif3iLd1kHk5WeAQ&oe=67CB45D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💟🎬When Destiny Brings Them Together, Will They Survive?🥰❣️		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732015	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 4:24 AM	1740993496	1746437047		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	The Unwanted Wife's Unexpected Comeback		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE90494C38872419BA16CC047162DFCAB9335			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481202145_3580132478947426_3928296140348417518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-WAnZfFxOIQ7kNvgEVHh2l&_nc_oc=AdgUvKSpdjhgSF533GkjTnN6l1zwvOOSStdpqKo7tRRH626fHH-3FBpzNBuVEGwpRAdPl2e_sGx0UxZb4Zu2TJuF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYAFbnKMgBXHAVinUcOJNZSyUplUSObM-0S_gHm-PMR-rA&oe=67CB3942	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731676	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 12:47 AM	1740993489	1746424063		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481453149_1363072531386259_990168812823697944_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KxXacQQKAC0Q7kNvgHcwyQa&_nc_oc=Adje02FwqqbXU9i5PbJ1QYPb2B_X2PVpRHhTgq90-qRQhHBFMfQllCotzXUtIgjXm1KNSRqeh7-ap2Qhl7c81sJi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYB7EOGGgAG_cyYHS6f7NnGs-swX7vti3PYbiHmjwGvOxQ&oe=67CB3475	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731958	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 10:43 PM	1740993495	1749181433		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481288977_9451491881568969_8266968113912217354_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UqgL2C3U-5oQ7kNvgHiB8u4&_nc_oc=Adj6gsrNROhiwggKfEXsCncCGuU5xyqjnzUyoG6GHYFNVEvdWY6R-wW5t1sUGRz9mc0DuifYPZL8kZoTX5mrQtBG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYADa9KYCs5vx3SAMwWVvMAxVXSAkt347ReZDVz9H3mOdA&oe=67CB4BA9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731984	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 5:57 AM	1740993496	1746442671		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919705C7557CFD4C2AC71D8E64DB83CA6683C			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217630_601725726176076_7095933988526356478_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FVHZMdKI1rcQ7kNvgFuF2Wd&_nc_oc=AdgR0JaSp5QyT7TThy29heHLbu5Eq9mMsgrSlgeDpxC9F1F_7jDy24VWg-g-OHlxijxNHo6b7PMz9W_8ppf_4BJC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYB431rgQbMxcBnRUSW9oE_MCoLyhm6FLxczstBcRPDqNg&oe=67CB58FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731967	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 3:14 PM	1740993495	1749154467		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481451684_647092548274348_552859347276616058_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W3UfRF2gUfwQ7kNvgEwQTGu&_nc_oc=Adgl3G1OTuCHUk7zZU3t_3EY2O79yrW9isefbVrw4eA_YhjjRSVUawQv24OF3qoGpuzRl2apa5uzas6Ug3x0xnUN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYDtwC8S34TgpHSD6K6IgZ1SND8BEQucVaUtsy4aphInFw&oe=67CB595E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731938	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 6:07 AM	1740993495	1746443268		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481663177_1103370414873733_8084613517669307240_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KK74gxubD-IQ7kNvgEaYZ_g&_nc_oc=AdiaEYzycSMXAXTrBy1s4SbgGt9rm8pntz1Jdg7sjOOcxfgJdo1uP3f1rlvhz7zm74co_A5PrsIJ7XX_tIduQqrH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYARXF1iRAJq1f1xy_prZwMyLKEl9mVIc411DbHgRUx2_A&oe=67CB578A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731786	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 3:14 PM	1740993491	1746994458		2747																														IMAGE						1.2114252759461E+14	Zaren Garden	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481258389_1730806834499910_2834645890459538271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nUJDKh40TWcQ7kNvgG70g5R&_nc_oc=AdgdM3pNWBCBAIVpPBKmdDXMr3vc1wbVtA4DBA75-neLaDnAq9k77kYbYqKMXLAPaNH9oFXUuFuVn92S6Z0urNZ5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYBBC_itEICUCZRFjYFjwxVmJx23KomK7UOLkhU7kUUUlg&oe=67CB5D84	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Happy First of March everyone!!! Start your day with JC Organic Barley ❤️ Get yours now at www.Jcshop.ph/ordernow/PPS12628456 #houseoffranchisebusiness #zarengarden #ExtraIncome #LifetimeBusinessOpportunity #dropshipping #everyone		Zaren Garden		7260	https://www.facebook.com/100070981863160/	0										View Edit Delete
2732033	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 5:29 AM	1740993497	1746440957		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA69829E1C5ED35AB9E514FFDA084389513E71			4.2734105713856E+14	MB	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217280_658779836599529_8744110920109341411_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pE-sCTOvqRoQ7kNvgEHtfJj&_nc_oc=AdjeiCV-aHcnEtLDSpsyHhOOXtZP58OZho59bv-7bfw8TcAMQauQpk9opTvaRyO7CYhHgAUlrW5l-jU6u9JquDlp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYDtU1LSxpkkByjCHcSr-5SwKLdayKaL8uBvav_6ETg7WA&oe=67CB31E4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		MB		16	https://www.facebook.com/61568805330231/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732085	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 9:26 PM	1740993498	1749263194		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	날 해고해? 망하고나서 울고불고하지 마		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=678a202609669df8c00d2715&chapterId=ahyo8d8rco&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=2674%253A41782236683&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482016069_1901953467001463_4834575609947400770_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TSXaDIFfLGgQ7kNvgGInMW8&_nc_oc=Adi53KFIEBbRhJOiebSeDsrD74OoNdMnk1kti28vOMi-__U63FlpzruOzFfht_TRIdS_CWUzRdKQ25T2ermjckEV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYA3HX_wrk1hq2ZKeS9ixxHaCwhgveoxSpA_vJzlRS3Fcw&oe=67CB43E5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		실리콘밸리 최고의 기술 천재인 에릭은 대표의 아들 윌리엄에게 해고당한 후, 전 직장의 경쟁사 대표이자 매력적인 여성인 에블린과 손을 잡는다. 하여 에릭의 전 직장은 파산 위기에 처하게 되고 윌리엄은 그제야 자신이 실수한 걸 깨닫지만 이미 모든 것이 늦어버린 뒤였다.		ReelShort		1247749	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732278	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/16/25, 2:19 AM	1740993502	1747379969		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481084796_911245457597772_3671183553258687643_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BIshWUX6dXIQ7kNvgHXs6Mw&_nc_oc=AdgBTY_PWVEmG7fu4bBbc9dE6uz_pbwK410Ks28leH4z7BEmrpDo9wkQKJo-SrwAkR5zhzQOfef0icz1OY_8ZR2L&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBrrADCN948Eb_k8l7mngMOtcCNeCnkCq3yYcGAFI_08A&oe=67CB39A2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731456	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 3:18 PM	1740993484	1746994699		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481244259_1680331522584385_4570051843278665171_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=l3u4oU8budgQ7kNvgGYULmQ&_nc_oc=AdhocJRVHj2uWzbCjKoB9CJzO1ieYx0Es6M8U2oW_weOj0uKuvNcKYA7JoU38mQFsJbSZXLTkGlFlp5Wl4HGp9Uu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYA_ma0SwxRNp1ACxYoj0F3wFPvzMjno4h51SXqeQwqJJg&oe=67CB5354	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731507	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 7:39 AM	1740993485	1749213560		2747																										arialief.com	Learn more			VIDEO	This is how you fix neuropathy pain		https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=CQ8hglku6O			4.2588851395109E+14	Juliano Novaes	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481256403_569979326098904_2158696747953559474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Vs_hdm3juagQ7kNvgG2zVhW&_nc_oc=Adh9ez8yDkV5uQmBl9XjHemnymmLnYY0l07bfoXgq_C21LPdpWlhu6bnDGK_0Eaz6yXlnqoofKVKVTY4e5-oVwX8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD22cCdHGewOdVV3WQt2_ZS5p_6w9uLTyfvF-XCFoPI-w&oe=67CB5277	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		This is how you fix neuropathy pain		Juliano Novaes		7	https://www.facebook.com/61569140743195/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731681	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/30/25, 8:21 PM	1740993489	1751332906		2747																										amazon.com/$4.99	Shop now			IMAGE	“Adorable and awkward and funny and filthy!"	Kindle | Apple | BN | Kobo | Google Play	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ5MLKV9?maas=maas_adg_247F6252749D879FFEC648D1EE89A893_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas			3.9322342721628E+14	Author Lizzie C Koz	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481093806_1571535640172725_5989952028491721475_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hyIAWIT8dm4Q7kNvgG9joTP&_nc_oc=AdjUsFeZVMXC1gNV-QU5abNhDREEELvY6DcK0p-7BC8LynvtzM64cU-DX44VPdtyhskBC2Nh0sGQO5JI3NKc46Vj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYCSB05YKX6l_5j25ETwVKqgxckidqqMDq8HpT8I0N71OQ&oe=67CB5A67	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The honorable Fitzwilliam Jennings, younger brother to the Earl of Bentley and next in line for the earldom, nearly always had his nose buried in a book. Which was why, when he entered his drawing room at his family’s country estate, he failed to notice something was different in his domain. Breasts. Naked breasts. Glorious breasts. Dear Lord. This was the correct drawing room, was it not? The one he had repurposed as his study for working on his Italian translations? Yes, there was his desk. And there was his settee. With breasts on it. His eyes stretched wide, so wide the room grew blurry. He attempted to rub his vision clear and was immediately met with glass and metal. Right. Spectacles—which he wore for reading, not distance. He hastily removed them. But the breasts were still there. “I’ve been waiting for you,” the breasts said in a low, husky voice. Wait. No. That couldn’t be correct. Those words, and now a curse, came from the woman the breasts belonged to. Oh my God, there is a bare-bosomed woman in your study, Fitz. And what did a man do when presented with a bare bosom? He fled, of course. Fitz dropped his spectacles and book, slapped a hand over his eyes, and spun toward the exit of his study. “My a-apologies, my lady. Miss. Ma’am.” He rushed to the door, or at least what he was fairly certain was the— Crack! Bloody fuck. His skull rang and throbbed like a gong. He sucked in a sharp breath and clutched his aching head, stumbling backwards. Holy buggering ballocks, that bloody hurt. His heel connected with something and— Fitz’s back collided with the floor. Oomph. The air shot from his lungs, and his eyes slammed shut as pain ricocheted through his head. Now the back of his skull screamed in pain, too. Along with his back. And his arse. “Oh my God!” a feminine voice squealed. “Are you hurt?” The rustle of skirts interrupted the incessant throbbing in his head, and then small hands prodded his chest, then patted his cheeks. “My lord? Are you well? Can you speak?” He hesitantly opened his eyes. And the answer was, in fact, no. No, he wasn’t well. And no, he couldn’t speak. Because breasts. There were so many breasts. Well. Not so many. There were only two, he supposed. But dear God. Breasts. In his face. Breasts. Did he say breasts? He went to speak, but all he managed was a groan. The woman’s slim blonde eyebrows pinched, her gaze darting over him as though looking for the source of his pain. Too bad the pain was everywhere. From his pride to his posterior. Heat seared his cheeks, and his all-too-familiar embarrassment caught up with him. As did his nervous sweating. Someone shouldn’t be able to sweat this much when it was as frigid as tits outside. Urghh. Why did you think of tits, Fitz? It wasn’t enough he had just run into a pair of breasts—which was nerve-inducing all in itself—but the bosom belonged to the loveliest flaxen-haired, rosy-cheeked woman he’d ever seen. Fitz was tongue-tied and tactless by default, but when he was around a beautiful woman? Let’s just say there was a reason he rarely attended balls or soirées or supper parties or places where there were people. Hence why he was about to hide in his study while a ball went on at his country estate. “My lord?” the woman said again, concern coating her words. And then she slapped him. His gaze shot to hers, and his mouth popped open. “Did you just slap me?” Well, would you look at that, Fitzy. You found some words! A breath exploded from her, and her body slumped. Egads, now her breasts dangled tantalizingly close to his face. He gulped. Audibly. Which only had him inhaling her cinnamon-sweet scent. Sodding hell. She would smell like the very essence of Christmas. His gaze darted between her all-too pouty pink lips and her all-too perky pink nipples. Did she taste like Christmas, too… “Oh, thank goodness,” she was saying, blessedly interrupting that train of thought. “I feared you had done irreparable damage or some such when you seemed unable to speak.” He frowned. Was the woman unaware that her bosom was exposed? She was leaning over him, chattering away about—well, he wasn’t actually certain. The combination of diddies in his face and knocks to the dome had made him deaf and dumb. “Would you cover yourself?” he finally managed tersely. Before he did something outrageous. Like lick a stranger’s nipples. She tensed, and he winced. That had come out a touch boorish. But damnation, the woman seemed to have no compunction about waggling her wobblers in his face. “I beg your pardon, my lord,” she said stiffly. “How terribly thoughtless of me to come rushing to your aid and not cover myself beforehand. I hope I have not offended your delicate sensibilities.” Sweat trickled down the nape of his neck. He was botching this. If that was even possible. If something started out botched, was there even room for further botching? Fitz botched it even further. “Urrrgung…” Lovely, Fitz. What in the bloody hell was that supposed to be? She cocked her head. “Pardon?” She blinked down at him through thick, blonde lashes. Blonde lashes that framed vibrant green irises currently clouded in confusion. “Maybe I should ring for help.” She drew out the words. “I fear you did damage your brain.” No, he really hadn’t. This was actually quite normal for Fitz. Unfortunately. Read on at Amazon by clicking "Shop Now". Also available at Apple, Kobo (and Koboplus!), B&N, and Google Play: https://books2read.com/compromisedforChristmas/ What readers are saying: “Forced marriage + bumbling nerdy man + lonely beauty = The most heartwarming historical tale that leaves you swooning and sighing.” “there is some REALLY HOT $*X! Because when Fitz gets out of his head…he’s quite the freaky aficionado!” “A whirlwind rollercoaster romance with a definite Vasti-vibe” “This book quite literally left me panting for more and following the author for the next instalment of the series.” “this book…SO deliciously naughty and nice!” "This is a five-star for me. You absolutely must devour it until you understand why a mongoose is desirable and why you should always give the awkward need a chance. Bonus points for some of the hottest Italian dirty talk around.” "I’ve never read anything like this and I’m loving it so much! It is so adorable and awkward and funny and filthy!"		Author Lizzie C Koz		318	https://www.facebook.com/authorlizzieckoz/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731680	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 3:19 PM	1740993489	1746994745		2747																										erzhenaacupuncture.com	Learn more			IMAGE			http://www.erzhenaacupuncture.com/			2.243382149013E+14	Erzhena Acupuncture	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481657299_1539948820029965_7963307560585349371_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pgPRlCgjtAMQ7kNvgFEjPiu&_nc_oc=AdjNNeEFFZUP98mJnmAkJhet3MsJGHXZ65FR5HTTiewDdUQVa3PkQOvu_N8hK1IVUEpCQsVbPusZO5ydM_RmPFIh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYBA5T9fNPSCmGlEyDZPbnhj0tabyrcutayBPHYY8H7mPA&oe=67CB47A2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🧠Acupuncture is increasingly recognized for its potential benefits in managing neurological diseases, as it helps regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and promote neuroplasticity. Here’s how acupuncture may support patients with various neurological conditions: 1. Stroke Recovery • Improves motor function and coordination by enhancing blood circulation to the brain. • Reduces post-stroke pain, spasticity, and speech difficulties. • May aid cognitive recovery and emotional well-being. 2. Parkinson’s Disease • Helps regulate dopamine levels, which are crucial in Parkinson’s. • Reduces tremors, stiffness, and muscle rigidity. • Supports mood and sleep. 3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Alleviates neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, and fatigue. • Reduces inflammation and improves circulation. • Supports bladder control and cognitive function. 4. Peripheral Neuropathy • Stimulates nerve regeneration and reduces pain, numbness, and tingling. • Improves circulation to affected areas. • Helps manage diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and nerve injuries. 5. Migraine and Chronic Headaches • Regulates neurotransmitters to reduce headache frequency and intensity. • Releases endorphins to provide natural pain relief. • Addresses underlying imbalances, such as stress and hormonal triggers. 6. Epilepsy • May help regulate abnormal brain activity. • Reduces seizure frequency and improves quality of life. • Works as a complementary therapy alongside medications. 7. Alzheimer’s & Dementia • Enhances memory and cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain. • Reduces stress and agitation in patients with dementia. • May slow neurodegeneration. Acupuncture’s Mechanisms in Neurology • Neuroprotection: Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. • Neurotransmitter Regulation: Balances dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. • Neuroplasticity Support: Stimulates nerve regeneration and repair. • Pain Modulation: Activates the body’s natural pain-relieving pathways. Acupuncture offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to neurological care, often enhancing the effects of conventional treatments.		Erzhena Acupuncture		65	https://www.facebook.com/erzhena.acupuncture/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731961	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 2:39 AM	1740993495	1749281981		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481209748_4052028211682890_1158619140039267526_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9b_Y8bWiLI0Q7kNvgFYqDPh&_nc_oc=AdiF-0gcF-UeC4LDErX5D8zb0jAo0HZ5n2JLEUvXPspr9GQbw_rFZYB4N7sP0fbzhv-xKp4Rh6O8lAEXqFrByPjt&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYB3czNQLQZMVl4J6EEI4OnGhI8uWWWJCNwjaQ9QiVpoHw&oe=67CB282F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731735	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 11:56 PM	1740993490	1746248198		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481955009_1678196669571590_3068053088673598988_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7VRRrsHe-SUQ7kNvgGz1l-s&_nc_oc=Adg_4ap7oUvmsAMgm2y20Mn951UjNcW2WHX-9hY5CFzzRgWLW-r4hjrZ51OI2sQhXWLm4JuQ0NM8QMqNcaDMnXTz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYA_WgKNCfgWnZfObp4UySY1BlBmdrxdm6OoIUQWoH4Leg&oe=67CB443A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731467	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/2/25, 7:53 AM	1740993484	1751460813		2747																										teamotionstea.com	Learn More			DCO	Restore Emotional Balance With These Teas 💕	{{product.description}}	http://teamotionstea.com/			98343106690	Teamotions	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481223818_527140257080926_4908496502513619487_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=esMKmuHoiQMQ7kNvgH7nVxO&_nc_oc=AdgrbCInaLWHc3-J4Rrkp8xLhWrCMagtYA-qVGHcWuZaNLBIZeRwMR14wSTX1zmyzjAoFuENRDK26xzucb1myGCx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBMjoCB5jF0plZ6XyfpYTtuGw-sGu4x38XQK_17DWRvHw&oe=67CB554A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Ready to meet a tea that does more? At Teamotions, we believe every sip should support your wellness journey. Our teas aren't ordinary. With unique blends containing superfoods and adaptogens, Teamotions offers more than a delicious and comforting sip. Our brews, enhanced with powerful ancient herbs, provide a therapeutic, positive and lifting effect in every cup. Each Teamotions tea is a carefully crafted blend, designed to promote emotional health and help support you with any feeling you may be having. ⚕ Mood Enhancement ⚕ Improve Mental Focus ⚕ Stress Relief ⚕ Promote Relaxation ⚕ And Much More! Witness the power of our purposeful blends. Experience the decrease in stress, the return of mental clarity, and the harmony to your bodily systems. Step into the world of Teamotions. Learn More by clicking below 👇 https://teamotionstea.com/		Teamotions		11935	https://www.facebook.com/Teamotions/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731395	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 1:13 PM	1740993483	1749060796		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480261820_964633612435472_7240235615642409345_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1IkXKOye7UMQ7kNvgEIR2CF&_nc_oc=AdiI8wp8c9cETcFWUW4bQ1_gcdGJMHKMMkWXfueriXWVH2OfpvlZIB3rpy3v6Nvko3KsA3mo8HZhIYhTfH2StUAi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYBS5s-lqXevrQM9bK_OnsyxNyOG6CG7Djc6yiZCaumU4A&oe=67CB5703	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731920	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:57 PM	1740993494	1749261478		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481057068_568392639561148_4627338703404166131_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k01QtnSi1RcQ7kNvgGtz4Z3&_nc_oc=AdggnzzPFlV6_UTOcIgQM5jADTuM_n9r8i6Nz7nV3Q8-g4Cu29KGZFvX2dffy5F1v5zJ15rxuLH_PLnfvx5PIz96&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYBCFkcg2QVsbo7DPFff3fUZ2QTU5h7wsxy4l_TbDMi-SA&oe=67CB4A72	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731894	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/2/25, 7:15 PM	1740993494	1751501737		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481909637_941971561257700_7326395873105585761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ls-V2szjwD0Q7kNvgGY7vQw&_nc_oc=Adg6w3NZiHydfwgyyV4a1bDsclU_ctLWVo-nc3jLmNUEtHcSE0lM4--Nq5Oat4HrVMSH4MqskVnGyU-tgnDBXuho&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDbDJL3AJTJR2lnRgzeslPCXgoPA6tTA2_NKpjkfq3wTQ&oe=67CB38CF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732230	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 12:46 AM	1740993501	1749102360		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481096322_3425452687591932_3840669071808448310_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XqgoU-VyjuoQ7kNvgHXRvo6&_nc_oc=AdjEuZor86L153nPB4fmjAnBtD5uyyObV3-zm2Y_CXiRavkloAj6DgdiEsGG85r6P67G99UU0hgm4jIZSPGvtnGv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCSwRo7p6h3rHMx5klxwwdp7sD-ORdmLljhMF3yGHEwMQ&oe=67CB541D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732010	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 4:05 AM	1740993496	1749287143		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	يا إلهي، هل نمت مع رئيسي؟		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16879415-fb-ar-xy35-0126-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=012440&jump=0&exdata=2F22D5A6D2BEFCB724DF414D9046839CDC4B3618D366C01C			3.886177176703E+14	Peter TV	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481676772_969612795137145_5149245788796414358_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZXaZbb1Zm98Q7kNvgF8bzgL&_nc_oc=Adj598j2eKBSA7CBAwePplTCqQlSirglOeknr81TZ1vppPzq8D_jj5n0QaCWtSWCGyVvxDGl08HP10uMDLON5hcl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYDNa5wqIbFQfgoc4zA4kF672TjfUs4d8v8fnFSnl6Z56w&oe=67CB2821	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		خان صديق مادلين عاطفتها، فشعرت بالانكسار واحتست الكحول حتى الثمالة. وفي تلك الليلة، وجدت نفسها في فراش نيكولاس، الذي كان يكبرها بثلاثة عشر عاما. ونتيجة لذلك، دخلا في علاقة زواج. ظنت مادلين أن زواجهما مجرد علاقة خالية من الحب، لكنها دون أن تدرك وقعت في الفخ الذي نسجه نيكولاس بحبه لها. كان ينتظر بصبر أن تبادله نفس المشاعر.		Peter TV		36	https://www.facebook.com/61564266545203/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731608	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:13 PM	1740993488	1749258807		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480778572_1003206725052597_6866147743611865609_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TlExLHSJDkMQ7kNvgERMqsx&_nc_oc=AdgQ348r5zaxM6gk1kQ6O8-mWWTIuZCxrSDHdvkmJIxDNsA3OAT5OhipOVbZHeewPkooi-Ht54ikPqwu2TgdH4i3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBqPOLqur6QARtze5IwVZznUOtm6gjDO77ZFCRfCWu5Lw&oe=67CB3003	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731944	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:37 PM	1740993495	1747017450		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481017323_528506723138438_5064430754785639060_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JxVVEGTIkdcQ7kNvgHiG0Fu&_nc_oc=AdhZMaiQT7W2h3jFYZ_n8Ay3sEdjA1MApDN6LsO08mzwxZnzoeXaPXFyAXPuWerUITMkpwRnauH5Ys3Bk8GZZGrJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYBmu61i7BMQjwoJ4-_-NHqr0mAyl9HxoyLcy2GSwxPjbQ&oe=67CB5C2A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731905	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:31 PM	1740993494	1747017093		2747																										clfblmvx.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉💖ONLY on GoodShort TV!		https://clfblmvx.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18303&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.3737794946036E+14	Ai Wenwen	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261524_1279523479798681_3290891917078882942_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nhA7d_L7mssQ7kNvgHUpJUx&_nc_oc=AdhGV7TdbbSgcRWBvSrpchnNvnWKKbXfamgTfSv4gzrUt9o1shNesA_gwqg_3-WbfqIfYccI93uJNWFTSxT62l34&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYAvxUr84J9dBwJ1k1Ms8rgvicpWLOz9tCTvrDedai9DtQ&oe=67CB3DD6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🎄😱The once-comatose man, dismissed as weak and insignificant, seemingly a mere pushover, launched a stunning counterattack. He was revealed to be the benefactor of the ECBA Chairman and the Governor, as well as the CEO of the WIN Consortium… #goodshort		Ai Wenwen		24660	https://www.facebook.com/61556762124607/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731963	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 1:15 PM	1740993495	1746468936		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481234894_1355398978714007_7417817137606190769_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OdR5xINWSqMQ7kNvgFk71ns&_nc_oc=AdhZr9DhrzbBO2Ql9IncX5ZyTh01DGpn0vfHWa_ocuz7SzdQa0JXoP0ehNr5sqjrfHelw1vvtRhfN_jGEUrjRSla&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYB-SCo4q9csKDbGI6KC8p8gpsuCl4xYb5X-mURpBCTwKQ&oe=67CB38A1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731914	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 12:12 PM	1740993494	1746465139		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481199194_902626035138294_3564564743837236474_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XA_VOfPdZkwQ7kNvgGzR4ge&_nc_oc=Adh0M-n8CggD_deyhK3bhxmqiPYoJwejiPK-nRUUMM_2-0qY8jVMc5cw58Wuyx6dqeqFUojhF6uXct7aRdzO-X2E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYCrrQ3WKg171Ae9RdVEdWLQn05RWyG-5Hi6uWaz8-_oEg&oe=67CB32C5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731940	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 12:53 PM	1740993495	1746467595		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482006401_636699975611379_2906533649194171657_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TJLcD2H4hUgQ7kNvgGFbCUv&_nc_oc=Adgq6aavHStn2WC8EjYjw86-egvSB0VxsR5mHdQg9Ma8aMKiEnfFlyvOIjsDOFpz7ISO3KjRkDT9WBDEGNXCZ-m3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYB4L_HSw5A3mZzNlP1xATbvqpcyrukFsuLX__mXYxmW-Q&oe=67CB363C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732032	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/3/25, 2:54 PM	1740993497	1751572495		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Una Seconda Occasione con la Mia Amante Segreta		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			4.1221819197276E+14	Video reel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481291198_2191485014581987_465725463310519458_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mkQTwh6-Ue0Q7kNvgGlgEbz&_nc_oc=Adh_0hZCtE1lJDqbDBGvUQxkb_10fFG-VjPMaV6_d-gSbFSNTiC0sBEKzyj1OoUtMKISKeAEWiyL8Qrf-oXgZGZe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYD2sWLS62Nt8asO0977P8QY4XqmG35SASS24d9DPBbeZg&oe=67CB5AEB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Addicted in 5 secondi, ho guardato tutto fino al gran finale in un colpo solo! Specialmente l'episodio 6. &1&		Video reel		3504	https://www.facebook.com/61565051422822/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731493	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 1:14 PM	1740993485	1749060879		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481059744_674735284985973_8037512079122271391_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c15T1CggEmUQ7kNvgHGuYJm&_nc_oc=AdjJwusIaVZL1QsehOehkKcxOI_lXem_N8IDhaRhhTBuwH0SHkUHqQSM4PYd9y0Q6rt61FvydAw0BOJcrx-DOVn7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYAA5TVQ6Zdb1KosT_m0aJ6BM6g3_Smp9wpRIk3SIX-eBA&oe=67CB4227	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731714	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 2:52 PM	1740993490	1746474764		2747																										aromalief.com	Shop now			IMAGE	Wonderfully Scented Joint & Nerve Relief	Special Offer	https://www.aromalief.com/pages/9-reasons-people-love-this-pain-relief-cream-aromalief			1.7131579387164E+15	Aromalief	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481334524_1643826456520954_4248047086040000987_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kqFlt0X928oQ7kNvgHtW9MU&_nc_oc=Adjew5nKdNYZe9SG3QVZc4igZiljb1XCNNSq2T-9TFcyWOiBojZvI8W8XAsiLWiTd3pvmjlioUkJ3U8DXtm6L4C7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYBBosW2bBD_botVIFrx5Qa_AgFV08mwkFysDM_2n1XBlA&oe=67CB2AD2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Discover the relief cream that thousands of women trust to deeply soothe joints and nerves. Aromalief gives fast relief, smells wonderful, and is made for women by women. It’s time to ditch the nasty smelling creams with harsh chemicals! Click SHOP NOW to get yours today https://www.aromalief.com/pages/9-reasons-people-love-this-pain-relief-cream-aromalief		Aromalief		2859	https://www.facebook.com/aromalief/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731854	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 3:11 PM	1740993493	1746475863		2747																										fb.lovenovelshort.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥Click to Read	More chapters	https://fb.lovenovelshort.com/book/loading/page/novelshortnew/pageCode/12-181541212354?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}			4.1091837876134E+14	Novel Short	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482053508_1138225840963674_6623870539048222026_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d2BGlBy-Y6AQ7kNvgHs1gt1&_nc_oc=AdjINX8SdCknuiJ9AgR63OdpPcinlY7Gz3VauNswKKeCMP4f-mBiZj8hMleBRye8sTUuuBHd8AoVL0rdhWwNdvg9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AHjGLMgphR4hdkvsxaeUxCg&oh=00_AYDLu-rSsXZRJogMrvTcnaOTMon5OoTfscLEomkNcIWKWw&oe=67CB57F7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“No, cease all operations. It seems I will be back sooner than we had planned,” I spoke into the phone as I bit down hard on my lips trying not to show weakness. The moment I hung up, I released a shaky breath as I stared at the gift bag in my hands. My eyes watered and I let out a scoff. “Seven years of dedication and this is the thanks I get,” I muttered, staring at the box. I was staring at the contents of a small gift box I had found inside my husband’s jacket. Seven years of marriage and my husband had never given me anything, he’d say I was vain when I requested something. But here is a customized diamond bracelet worth ten thousand dollars. He's gotten it for his secretary, Hailey. The words engraved on the body of the bracelet made my heart shatter into a million pieces. My love forever and always, from Tony to Hailey. The bedroom door creaked open as my husband, Tony, stepped inside with a frown on his face. “What’s taking you so long to get my jacket, Ciara?” he asked when he came inside. “This,” I answered, shoving the gift box in his hands. His face crumpled a bit and he sighed, “Hailey’s boyfriend broke up with her and she's been sad so I decided to get her this gift to cheer her up.” I chuckled, at the fact that he was lying straight to my face. He had a lot of nerve, it’s been two years since Hailey entered our lives as his secretary and since then our marriage has never been the same. Tony had stopped sleeping at home for several days since then and he’d come back only when it was necessary. I had long suspected he was cheating on me with Hailey but I've never caught them in the act. Maybe because I was too busy running my husband’s business in the shadows while he thought it was his hard work that brought him success. “Listen, Ciara, it’s not a big deal. Hailey works for me and I can decide to gift her or give her a bonus to buy things for herself so she can be efficient in her work,” Tony added when I didn't say anything. I nodded, “Does it include using the lines from our wedding vow?” Tony seemed tongue-tied for a moment before he recovered, “Why are you questioning me, Ciara? Don't you trust me? I told them to engrave her ex-boyfriend’s name with the words but they made a mistake and put my name instead since I paid for it.” I laughed, “Yes, Tony, keep talking to me like I’m a toddler. You can gift your secretary but not your wife.” As expected, Tony exploded and got defensive, “How dare you? I’ve been working and taking care of you all these years while you stayed home doing nothing and yet you're still an ungrateful woman!” With those words he stormed out of the bedroom, taking the gift box with him. I didn't bother dwelling on his words as I needed to prepare for the burial we were supposed to attend together but now he's gone. One of his colleagues and work friends had passed away in a fatal accident. I was a bit close to the late man’s wife so I wanted to show my support. I opened the wardrobe and got dressed in my black simple dress then I went outside only to find out Tony had left with the limousine. I grabbed his car keys and took his black sedan instead. As I opened the glove compartment, a box stumbled to the floor. I frowned, how many gifts did he get her? I opened the box and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nostrils. I was familiar with this scent, it was a perfume that my husband always came back home with. When I asked he said he meets a lot of people every day so it’s normal for their perfume to rub off on him. There was red sexy lingerie inside with a note that read: to remind you of our explosive night yesterday. My hands shook as I clenched the note. Yesterday, Tony hadn't returned home until early this morning. He went out with this car and claimed that he worked late with Hailey and he had to drop her off because there wasn't any cab available. I scoffed and chucked the box beside the passenger’s seat as I drove toward his office. I've been patient for two years listening to his lies and being treated like a gullible teenager but no more, I deserve an explanation. It’s the least he could give me after seven years of our life together. I pulled up in front of his office and entered inside, my eyes scanning every employee but Hailey was nowhere to be found. I took the elevators to the top floor and went to Tony’s office. As I opened the door I saw Hailey doing a video as she displayed her bracelet and said, “Hey everyone, see what my rich boyfriend got for me.” Chapter 2 Ciara’s Pov “Your rich boyfriend, huh?” I asked. Hailey looked shocked to see me as she stood up and turned off her phone, pasting a fake smile on her face. “Hello, Mrs. Reeds, what are you doing here?” she asked nervously. I scoffed, “This is my husband’s office, I should be asking you that.” “Uh… he's at a meeting. Please don't tell him I was sitting here,” she pleaded. “Stop playing games with me, Hailey, I know you're dating my husband,” I snapped, tossing the lingerie toward her. The vulnerable facade she had earlier slipped from her face as a coy smile formed on her lips. “Oops,” she giggled as she picked up the lingerie, “Busted.” I was surprised by her nonchalant attitude, “Aren’t you ashamed that you're sleeping with my husband?” She flashed her bracelet at me and shrugged, “Nope, why should I be? You're the one who should be ashamed he's cheating on you.” I reacted before I could think and my palm landed across her cheeks as I stared at her harshly. “You vile creature, you will regret ever speaking to me in that tone,” I threatened. Hailey’s eyes flashed with hatred as she glared at me, “No, Ciara, you're the one who would regret laying your filthy hands on me.” I was surprised to see that there was no remorse in her eyes when suddenly she threw herself to the floor and clutched her cheeks as she cried out in pain. “No, Mrs. Reeds, please, I’m sorry. I didn't ask for this, you're misunderstanding,” she cried. I scoffed, oblivious to her schemes, “Okay, now you're asking for mercy?” It was when I saw the small coy smile playing on her lips that I realized it was all an act. Just then the door opened and Tony burst into the office, his face filled with fury. “What nonsense is this?” he yelled at me, “Why are you here, Ciara?” I scoffed as I watched him help Hailey stand up. He checked her cheeks that had my palm print on them. “What? Here to defend your mistress?” I hissed at him. “I’m sorry, sir, your wife seems to be misunderstanding the gift you got me. Please, don't blame her, it’s not her fault,” Hailey said pitifully. “Wow, you deserve an Oscar!” I snapped at her. “Get out!” Tony said to me. I was momentarily shocked as I stared at him my eyes widening in surprise. “Wh…what?” I stuttered. “Get out of my office, Ciara, and never come to my workplace to create such a scene,” he snapped. “But I saw her —” My words were cut short when I felt a sharp sting across my face only to realize Tony had just slapped me. “I am your husband and you will obey me. GET OUT!” he yelled. I touched my cheeks as my eyes stung with tears while Hailey gave me a smug smile as I stumbled out of his office, my body frozen with shock. Tony, who had never let me get hurt before, had just slapped me for another woman. The realization was like a bitter pill to swallow as I drove to the cemetery where the burial was supposed to be held. I tried not to think of the incident and focus on comforting the man’s wife but it became worse when Tony arrived with Hailey and they stood beside me trying to mirror the image of a perfect couple with me as their secretary. Just as the service was concluded and the coffin was lowered into the ground, the woman burst into tears. I was certain she was mourning a love that had ended abruptly. Even though my husband wasn't dead I knew how she felt because, for the past two years, it felt like my husband was dead. That was when we heard the screeching of tires as about ten SUVs surrounded the cemetery. Before I knew it the sound of gunshots filled the air as people screamed and scrambled away while I watched as Tony dived down with Hailey shielding her with his body and I stood frozen with shock. There was danger and my husband instead of protecting me had left me for the wolves while he protected his mistress. “Get down!” an unfamiliar voice yelled. The words barely registered before I felt a sharp pain as someone tackled me to the ground and I lost track of time as my eyes suddenly grew heavy. “Stay with me!” I heard an unfamiliar voice but it sounded so distant. Then I slowly closed my eyes and gave in to the darkness. Chapter 3 Ciara’s Pov The incessant beeping of the machine was the first sound I heard when I opened my eyes followed by the bright lights hanging above me. I realized I was in the hospital as the memories of Tony shielding Hailey with his body flashed before my eyes. What had happened? I wondered as I felt a sharp pain close to my stomach. The door opened and a doctor came inside. She had a bright smile on her face. “Mrs. Reeds, I’m so glad you're awake,” she smiled. “What happened?” I asked, my throat dry. “You don't recall?” she asked, frowning. I shrugged, “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” The doctor helped me sit up as I let out a sharp groan, she smiled apologetically at me before propping me with a pillow. “You were shot, Mrs. Reeds,” she said, as I gulped down the water she gave me. My mind flashed to the gunshot and I frowned, I had thought it was a dream but that was the sad reality of my life. “In the course of performing surgery to remove the bullet we found out you were pregnant, we tried our best but you lost the baby,” the doctor added. The words rang in my ears as I sat feeling numb, staring at her while my hands subconsciously touched my lower belly. “I was pregnant?” I asked. The doctor nodded, “We are so sorry, Mrs. Reeds. If there's anything you need at all —” “When will I be discharged?” I asked, interrupting her. She blinked, “The nature of your injuries is severe, I don't recommend leaving the hospital soon.” “How fast can I be discharged?” I demanded, a bit forceful this time. The doctor swallowed cautiously, “We can keep you for observation, and if there's no bleeding you can leave tomorrow but you're not allowed to do any strenuous task.” I nodded, “Thank you, Doctor.” She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text message to an unsaved number on my phone just as I heard a light knock on the door. I raised my head and saw it was Tony, standing in the doorway with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry, I just panicked and I was closer to Hailey and you're older than her so I figured you'd know what to do, I didn't know you would keep standing till the bullet hit you,” Tony rambled in what seemed like an apology. I just gave him a blank look without batting an eye at him. “Say something, please,” he said, “The doctor told me about the baby too. I know we've been trying to get one for years. I'm sure you'll get pregnant again.” I scoffed, for two years Tony had never touched me until he came home one-night drunk as a skunk one month ago and we had. After that, he never touched me and that was how I got pregnant. I looked away from him and focused my attention on my phone which was now pinging with a series of text messages. “Mrs. Reeds, please forgive us.” The sound of Hailey’s mocking voice was like a slap to my face as I looked up and saw her hiding behind Tony, without a single bruise on her body while Tony had scratches on his arm and face from protecting her. Without thinking, I removed the IV and stood up ignoring the searing pain I felt below my abdomen. Tony, who knew me so well, saw the rage on my face as he tried to shield Hailey with his body. “Please, Ciara, she's just a kid don't be mad at her,” he pleaded, “Be mad at me instead —” The words were barely out of his lips when I slapped him, pushing him aside. Tony was so shocked he barely had time to stand up as I slapped Hailey twice and pushed her to the ground. Hailey cried and held her cheeks while Tony scrambled and ran toward her. “Ciara, are you mad? See what you've done to the innocent girl. She's not the one who sent shooters to the burial or made you keep standing like a fool while they were shooting,” Tony spat angrily. I stared at him and scoffed, “Both of you will regret this, I will make sure of it.” With my eyes blazing in anger, I walked out of the hospital. I barely made it to the car park when I realized my stitches had ripped and I was bleeding. “Damn it!” I groaned. I leaned heavily against a car when I saw two black SUVs heading toward me. The cars stopped before me as armed men stepped out of the car. One of the men stepped forward and bowed before handing me an envelope. “It's ready, Mistress,” he said. I opened the envelope and read the contents nodding as I hurriedly signed before giving it back to him. “Make sure he signs it,” I ordered. The man nodded as he led me to the car which drove off immediately. “Relax, Mistress, we’ll soon arrive at the private airstrip where we parked the jet,” the driver said. I nodded and relaxed even though my lower abdomen was hurting me. Just as we arrived and I was about to enter the jet, my phone rang. I glanced at it and saw it was Tony. “Ciara, what is this madness? Instead of you to apologize for what you've done to Hailey you hired goons to force me to sign a divorce certificate? Come here right now!” Tony spat angrily over the phone. “Go to hell and so help me God if you ever call my number again I’ll make you wish for death!” I threatened before I hung up and tossed my phone into the trash. I smoothed my dress as I walked into the helicopter. I will make Tony and Hailey regret their actions. They just wait!"		Novel Short		18526	https://www.facebook.com/61563664675187/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731827	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 3:30 PM	1740993492	1746477014		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8637664123143E+14	DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481119686_449622251474976_7177201059422869293_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U5XYHUU6hZIQ7kNvgFU_YWL&_nc_oc=AdgxcHBTDpNTwp_z5w6VQ4v99HLXugOIi0o9nrryze5sddpyHlNsvriVnaDhuNOyo8quichRCI4yKCozswFcy1tZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYCHpt6qSqY-XEMvpFkG9S6zxUSxfKP3AIJqV7OrWcwpaw&oe=67CB29BD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos		2327894	https://www.facebook.com/61565078571830/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731970	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 3:43 PM	1740993495	1746477788		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764A23386685DAAB118329B2B49EE939CACF			4.3522515300228E+14	Short-TV	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481192256_1138818620881478_7399648748422266600_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B4VEz6wfhG0Q7kNvgGaAe6g&_nc_oc=AdjtYQLv4EffqqUgJlOomcSob0DxjGkrmBs4BUaQF2d2CGXDvIBzoTSDadFyXEZ0iejT0mpmFBtroZXcpQ8ud1rN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYA_8PI73HLIoblb4he3Luuw2kR1xi7qbfmAHoSXPG75hw&oe=67CB5A9B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Short-TV		141	https://www.facebook.com/61565133077097/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731901	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 3:55 PM	1740993494	1746478559		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	🎁 LIMITED-TIME SALE 🎁	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481970982_1149079160290843_688232652863521327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2fngscP2czMQ7kNvgHxb1-e&_nc_oc=AdhyZx61n90EJqqucRmitiVZyMqxh3pDmGCFFDbBTcDciQaZbt5N0mA5-mYgkxnHCzAYexLGaaVd0WkzN9KltewX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYB9wkJnX6nsQ3vmebo7Chep1VHEV6s7YABVgND7EjPVaA&oe=67CB5E4F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731741	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 6:52 PM	1740993490	1746489157		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480847050_555243994236228_760297491483994373_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WEgWm8ewu9UQ7kNvgG4xnE_&_nc_oc=Adi3qWd7DqDOhz26XkHWkiy8_B4sSTvcQUXAft_7jHVTp5XumUBzjQS_Sk97ysnEhFxFDqNc_1ee7chDjqxB5EFh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYBESq8bAb4cl1A8MJ4Fn6t5n_cSeQH8pn6SY5ItbQW5Vw&oe=67CB2D4C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731893	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 6:53 PM	1740993494	1746489190		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482064988_545617537910851_4905172865009877531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uc_ctE9KMmUQ7kNvgF3jJU_&_nc_oc=AdiXyTvhuXEbApQmhKyhLRm-_A5iX2tVWB7U6Jc1_Qq6X0GQP5yqEOd2c0d3KR9xGsBhRo34RFcxm_yTfPQYKwQR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYABe9RL084cvXzWQtz13tsvgSsLd5md9EyjinFXwa-ZbA&oe=67CB4A46	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731625	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 7:14 PM	1740993488	1746490445		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480877815_1176790983803474_973745971253355548_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i_2Ubv0Cj2sQ7kNvgEmxHkd&_nc_oc=AdjgoEudfNHv8HNiWE1_e4YvJw3YuDEDDq8Thf-j9xEkuDgo3pcvIh4TjM04vnPxk9llvukfpqIdzVbA5005YRUf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYDaQBYQSnkpuz9Uy3vTPnMaQlNLi7TngGIOXqGfbndDMg&oe=67CB463E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2732112	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 8:30 PM	1740993498	1746495010		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731621	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 10:21 AM	1740993488	1749741716		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059453.html?language=en&timestamp=1740754137434&channelCode=DLLPF1059453&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481151647_1316480686288936_7261866619085940407_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AM4NvNMDVFgQ7kNvgGASECL&_nc_oc=AdhM8mSOK88lHXQfrk8CBPg3lED8rhFqHyUQxy2u36ySLNA2BkqpZCwydoFBnceOJzj6TdIslW5vDNgZMTulvqH9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYBLqVY8buKWnqoO-XQ3rmEx6EFdtHwCmj-oHYUEkvZTbQ&oe=67CB3CEE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731960	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 1:48 PM	1740993495	1749408490		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481329322_1034528345174740_1854766197477904537_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qR1x1ZQ1Rw0Q7kNvgFLD8dQ&_nc_oc=Adg62mBr8rozxtrvQCn0N290brKnkdkaqOAQD62ghLQgeLSTnyD3E3CjOF7o09BJY9OQbE47OWS8_-nyJyO5ATot&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYAUt73Wk070FzeNmuTdYLtVvv3Nc1zkaZuHHMhOqndXOQ&oe=67CB4DD4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731878	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 1:57 PM	1740993493	1749409021		2747																										page.joyreadings.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Free reading with Title "Love at the Wrong Table"		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=4685&brand=2&app=0&ppid=1635&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120218439228810092&ori_adset_id=120218439228960092&ori_ad_id=120218439231100092			1.0607726224053E+14	The novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482001278_1181802550007922_4365488608318862768_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4LSwyNPAZHUQ7kNvgEOs6E8&_nc_oc=Adhg653oAGb_DGuANL3AlIHSJ5R0ywDAlXDrd0A1BeYF7be23t5u49GnnQXu5Rm8RXOkTWUG6hvODjiCVvHfQj_R&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYB5I5JcO_D2ddNHN1pCmDnMNzFMv1CT-tQEIVYsdXWtmw&oe=67CB43C0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him. ............................................................................................................................................................ “I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently. The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship. After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years. He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year. Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates. Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far. Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point. “Help! Someone help me!” Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help. The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet. After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish. It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?” “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile. Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth. Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier. The café was massive and practically structured like a maze. Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area. The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals. The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven. Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze. A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room. It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself. The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her. The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker. When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure. Thump! Thump! Thump! When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest. Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life. The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all. Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse. Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her? More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table. She's my blind date? He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her. The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes. The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business? Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him. They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with. He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.” Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed. The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own. “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.” Emmanuel was stunned. What is happening? He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags. Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless. Where's the catch? All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind. Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident. She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating. As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words. Urgh, forget it! Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar. He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.” It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath. Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary. A long while later, she burst into a chuckle. She had never met a man who could humor her so. “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!” Pfft! Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger. An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?” “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!” Huh? What is going on? Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?” “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit. “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!” Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape. That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight! Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards. Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café! He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!” The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation. While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life. Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind. Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group. Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman. Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild. That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead. Isn't that fate? Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.” She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man. Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless. Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!” Chapter 2 Failure After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area. Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience. Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold. Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet. Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities. Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile. “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—” “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!” After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face. The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet. Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset. “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt. The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name. To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill. The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins. This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability... Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly. To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain. Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today? “Ah! Someone's been hit!” “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!” Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground. Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators! Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin. “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously. Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!” Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them. “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money. The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her. “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested. Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment. The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel. Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man. “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?” Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines. At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold. Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs. The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg. “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken. The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp. Goodness gracious! That man is daring! Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile. The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went. I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side! “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked. When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him. By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them. “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs. With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?” Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!” Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration. Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws. “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!” The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved. “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up. Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character! Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly. Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?” This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they? Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house. “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was. “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!” “What?” Emmanuel choked out. Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again? Chapter 3 Rags to Riches In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate. Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café. Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again! Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention. “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!” Emmanuel's heart instantly sank. Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter? Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!” As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house! “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!” By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience. Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced? Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot. She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home? “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object. She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him. Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home! “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said. That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!” “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?” “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding. I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year! Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!” Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents? Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!” Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage. “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!” Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...” “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back. He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters. “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back. Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me! After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit. To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them. The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup. Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy? Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café? The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards. He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!” Needless to say, everyone was stunned. Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly. Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories? The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café? Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts. Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key. The total value of the items had to be at least ten million. For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of! Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock. Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum! If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway! After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm. “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!” “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole. As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?” “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words. Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated. After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law! Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her. As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman! “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car. He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead. Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently. “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated. “W-What should I do now, then?” In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury. Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers? “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested. Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!” “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh. Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me? 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Love at the Wrong Table". Enjoy Romance Now🥰		The novel		20947	https://www.facebook.com/100085523883301/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732022	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/4/25, 11:07 AM	1740993497	1751645277		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764AFDA27AE9B6155DF2DFE4F4E1CB7AB706			4.9823666336868E+14	Dreame TV	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480897096_670969038603762_5216743019215101256_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MlABRNU9PIAQ7kNvgHuWrvB&_nc_oc=AdjaW30VnZM6RplCQFJVJbErec3CmHDi5tidy_YufCS6oiE43pvwlok-OpMDFnG3UTQauHSPZg6NA1_BXsbMA4m5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYBt6OxEAQFSzupaT2hB4VgNi4q4CPnCgXhaot4DylSe4g&oe=67CB583A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Dreame TV		73	https://www.facebook.com/61569251063289/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731908	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/6/25, 4:18 AM	1740993494	1746523121		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 6 Books For 50% Off!	"The BEST sports romance series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-sports-bundle-by-piper-lawson			5.6789754640055E+14	Piper Lawson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481357844_850198013899030_4417784635599776411_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IE2w9lNm3zUQ7kNvgGUULa2&_nc_oc=Adj0Ux18p8wyaWMTbsiRinXkqbCyY7FjxDBvB9DGOniW9KpG7jV-_sE6yKeUjbHGGGQ30ZTSHoHyUqkfAyiKhVsH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYAHhcLkO9QUYYhnKIZWt-NZRPBf9fB6SxCBKHVJCt2JiQ&oe=67CB314D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I kiss him the way I want to, not the way I think I should. I reach up to thread my fingers through his hair and tug. When I exhale a trembling breath, his lips part. I change the angle and let out a little sigh that’s lost in his mouth before forcing myself to pull back. Clay’s half-lowered lids brush my cheeks. “What was that?” he murmurs. My heart hammers in my chest. I can’t meet his eyes. “I wanted to know what it would feel like if you kissed me.” He curses. I start to reach for my seatbelt, but his arms are a cage. He grabs my chin and forces my gaze up. His eyes are glittering gems in the dark. “That wasn’t it.” Before I can react, his mouth slams down on mine. He’s as rough as I was gentle. His lips and tongue wreak havoc with my mouth, exploring every inch of me. My pulse skyrockets as he tugs my earlobe between his teeth. My body throbs, every nerve ending coming alive under his touch. I can’t breathe. I don’t want to. I need more of this, of him. If he’s trying to scare me away, it’s not working. He strokes down my sides, one huge hand cupping my breast. My body swells, my nipples hardening and begging for his touch. I arch toward him, my hand slipping beneath his shirt to land on smooth, muscled abs. Clay groans his approval low in his throat, sending a delicious thrill coursing through me. His thumb presses against my hip. I reach around his waist, imagine the dark tattooed lines writhing beneath my — Click. The next second, his warmth is gone, and so is my seatbelt. He’s back on his side of the car, and the space between us is a chasm. “Don’t pout. I’m selfish enough to give you what you think you want.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This series was FANTASTIC!!! I read it all in one sitting!” ~Amber A.” ~Reviewer The Ultimate Steamy Sports Bundle Get 6 Books For 45% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Piper Lawson		18	https://www.facebook.com/61572225267893/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731988	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 3:52 PM	1740993496	1749415977		2747																										buyatria.com	Shop now			VIDEO	70% Off + Free Gift Today 👉	⭐️ 12,000+ Happy Customers | 24/7 Support	https://buyatria.com/products/coreeasy-3			1.2293607090184E+14	Homecore	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481082868_1815268559272186_8700581737854104879_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L8u6wpdOTvMQ7kNvgGW8QsE&_nc_oc=AdhMiUC7-2Vxe95n8tnMesWnyQ4bJPOMSIWaO1KZ2BWB9g2skQtaPKFpGRs3YkbpZPDvUzIqe-htjVBbXVaUPgnT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYDVexXKrs2CTRulvFSAY4N_1DZ3r6kwHMoq31_7pdBh2Q&oe=67CB3566	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"This is the ONLY device that relieved my back pain and sciatica. Just 15 minutes a day from the comfort of my own home is all it took to feel significant relief!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Monica L. - USA ✅ Eliminate back pain & sciatica at home with the CoreReliefe Massager. ❌ No pills & expensive medical bills. Limited-Time Offer: Save 70% Today! 👉 https://buyatria.com/products/coreeasy-3		Homecore		4013	https://www.facebook.com/61550932113586/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731989	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 2:04 AM	1740993496	1749625497		2747																										pages.farsunpteltd.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🎥 New Drama Short 📺 True Love Waits: Love Knows No Deadline 💞✨		https://pages.farsunpteltd.com/?channel_id=29235&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}&ad_name={{ad.name}			3.8894377431348E+14	FlickReels 6	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481641033_1138683554622465_8963168383190468093_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vGPRhkH7GQMQ7kNvgFKnyep&_nc_oc=AdjEV8CP0rutI8LpE95clclnOhNyjpOMmW94sGnXZxRortt0RxM2hN11VuJHf6vDFpGfT75z-1sfakQawjgIZEnA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYB8anLaoQgHiehgs6dup9RYSNVpxjYaBIEGve5Ur-F-5g&oe=67CB578C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💞💓❤️😍This drama is really top-notch.Like💞 Lucky😍 I have no acting skills in emotional scenes.		FlickReels 6		12382	https://www.facebook.com/61566894822455/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731934	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 9:06 PM	1740993495	1749780367		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482071350_1889764324895599_2765217196624996356_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ounrd4TH4vIQ7kNvgGt-E1j&_nc_oc=Adgs-a0OpdnQuxLj0PZCLvZpypzseP2Fv0ApkFhTMAqZFLMMPgECAVt4-1Gg6-GyEom3n9FW0aOxScmgZEfo-QuN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYA-RO4HKx2DdjExngSy0QNSLPqrzDS8FiYHUB-g8icOlA&oe=67CB5299	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731962	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 5:08 PM	1740993495	1749420493		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481301580_2615216462022706_5876095797770144087_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YqhH1ZDQJsEQ7kNvgG7Fmza&_nc_oc=AdjG3Im2_whtRFrto2CkgTa6oooXAbIh3WH0Q_3udqjwnLDPtBvwLMfUv75wcWMb0hdst1PhASJAJA_m09tb2e7F&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYAx7zYKJ0WJXNWfuSw1dNUtzQMBxu8u-G-Isqmbzj4o-A&oe=67CB5730	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731954	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 4:36 PM	1740993495	1749418574		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481085954_612902338173789_4406102707092136961_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qFPVOPdGWlYQ7kNvgG9aR6n&_nc_oc=Adh7yWCq5IJ9G8zYmeIULllmzSllY6ejr81_RcQIF_xgDlT07v1TcLNQX8vPTS9RdQEhvkgxKgQ4fQM4NNs-TsE2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYDqsCVvASWXSqHOC6f8XkTUngfSoFfjT-Z2_etOqsTiGQ&oe=67CB2A3D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732013	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 7:28 PM	1740993496	1749083309		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F9803EBF3CCC964BD4BCB11428D4A1B2326DA			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481212269_948773294088714_6499995701314486646_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OSw2mD1QJp8Q7kNvgEOZkx6&_nc_oc=AdgiSBl9KBF11Jea0I0tY1rnXAsyf2PdtfOnGZAx2wzlIbAJPxByu57Wy0v0FjbfCy_wuR9GGz4pN3_Jt5CVuR3D&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYAe4-GiHFQuT2FOXDDGQcbCyoYivQ3yaFV8r3dt0QFU6A&oe=67CB4141	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732200	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 6:53 PM	1740993500	1747007627		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217163_1349112846329268_2749241706137941582_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3CAV9zIg3CYQ7kNvgH-eXld&_nc_oc=AdgTVz4n6KN_Y4v7dH2DF34qUbT8-VZZg-RQvp97xLGaG1jdBqlAGzaEBLq9yDzzRCc2l64IeW-GibrhQa5ynytC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYB1etynYTzB93AziOJgyywf7g-XePGSdcP22ki9biZ3Zg&oe=67CB5B9E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731855	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:20 PM	1740993493	1747023622		2747																										fb.lovenovelshort.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥Click to Read	More chapters	https://fb.lovenovelshort.com/book/loading/page/novelshortnew/pageCode/12-181541212354?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}			4.1091837876134E+14	Novel Short	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480872729_645852281167900_5768587177293330944_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lWFEHtzkzu8Q7kNvgH8KNTd&_nc_oc=AdgW33WubevN3bvI3VaZP4P5X0yrvZyOuvB73HJdOxcJxbX6GVdF7P7gUGqDePpgQwaLD6LgXpkiVIU9-t2VkRUi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYBl21yxafE2ihZfiq7vlqcrH12Ro7EWQ3rF8oXteO8e7g&oe=67CB419C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“No, cease all operations. It seems I will be back sooner than we had planned,” I spoke into the phone as I bit down hard on my lips trying not to show weakness. The moment I hung up, I released a shaky breath as I stared at the gift bag in my hands. My eyes watered and I let out a scoff. “Seven years of dedication and this is the thanks I get,” I muttered, staring at the box. I was staring at the contents of a small gift box I had found inside my husband’s jacket. Seven years of marriage and my husband had never given me anything, he’d say I was vain when I requested something. But here is a customized diamond bracelet worth ten thousand dollars. He's gotten it for his secretary, Hailey. The words engraved on the body of the bracelet made my heart shatter into a million pieces. My love forever and always, from Tony to Hailey. The bedroom door creaked open as my husband, Tony, stepped inside with a frown on his face. “What’s taking you so long to get my jacket, Ciara?” he asked when he came inside. “This,” I answered, shoving the gift box in his hands. His face crumpled a bit and he sighed, “Hailey’s boyfriend broke up with her and she's been sad so I decided to get her this gift to cheer her up.” I chuckled, at the fact that he was lying straight to my face. He had a lot of nerve, it’s been two years since Hailey entered our lives as his secretary and since then our marriage has never been the same. Tony had stopped sleeping at home for several days since then and he’d come back only when it was necessary. I had long suspected he was cheating on me with Hailey but I've never caught them in the act. Maybe because I was too busy running my husband’s business in the shadows while he thought it was his hard work that brought him success. “Listen, Ciara, it’s not a big deal. Hailey works for me and I can decide to gift her or give her a bonus to buy things for herself so she can be efficient in her work,” Tony added when I didn't say anything. I nodded, “Does it include using the lines from our wedding vow?” Tony seemed tongue-tied for a moment before he recovered, “Why are you questioning me, Ciara? Don't you trust me? I told them to engrave her ex-boyfriend’s name with the words but they made a mistake and put my name instead since I paid for it.” I laughed, “Yes, Tony, keep talking to me like I’m a toddler. You can gift your secretary but not your wife.” As expected, Tony exploded and got defensive, “How dare you? I’ve been working and taking care of you all these years while you stayed home doing nothing and yet you're still an ungrateful woman!” With those words he stormed out of the bedroom, taking the gift box with him. I didn't bother dwelling on his words as I needed to prepare for the burial we were supposed to attend together but now he's gone. One of his colleagues and work friends had passed away in a fatal accident. I was a bit close to the late man’s wife so I wanted to show my support. I opened the wardrobe and got dressed in my black simple dress then I went outside only to find out Tony had left with the limousine. I grabbed his car keys and took his black sedan instead. As I opened the glove compartment, a box stumbled to the floor. I frowned, how many gifts did he get her? I opened the box and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nostrils. I was familiar with this scent, it was a perfume that my husband always came back home with. When I asked he said he meets a lot of people every day so it’s normal for their perfume to rub off on him. There was red sexy lingerie inside with a note that read: to remind you of our explosive night yesterday. My hands shook as I clenched the note. Yesterday, Tony hadn't returned home until early this morning. He went out with this car and claimed that he worked late with Hailey and he had to drop her off because there wasn't any cab available. I scoffed and chucked the box beside the passenger’s seat as I drove toward his office. I've been patient for two years listening to his lies and being treated like a gullible teenager but no more, I deserve an explanation. It’s the least he could give me after seven years of our life together. I pulled up in front of his office and entered inside, my eyes scanning every employee but Hailey was nowhere to be found. I took the elevators to the top floor and went to Tony’s office. As I opened the door I saw Hailey doing a video as she displayed her bracelet and said, “Hey everyone, see what my rich boyfriend got for me.” Chapter 2 Ciara’s Pov “Your rich boyfriend, huh?” I asked. Hailey looked shocked to see me as she stood up and turned off her phone, pasting a fake smile on her face. “Hello, Mrs. Reeds, what are you doing here?” she asked nervously. I scoffed, “This is my husband’s office, I should be asking you that.” “Uh… he's at a meeting. Please don't tell him I was sitting here,” she pleaded. “Stop playing games with me, Hailey, I know you're dating my husband,” I snapped, tossing the lingerie toward her. The vulnerable facade she had earlier slipped from her face as a coy smile formed on her lips. “Oops,” she giggled as she picked up the lingerie, “Busted.” I was surprised by her nonchalant attitude, “Aren’t you ashamed that you're sleeping with my husband?” She flashed her bracelet at me and shrugged, “Nope, why should I be? You're the one who should be ashamed he's cheating on you.” I reacted before I could think and my palm landed across her cheeks as I stared at her harshly. “You vile creature, you will regret ever speaking to me in that tone,” I threatened. Hailey’s eyes flashed with hatred as she glared at me, “No, Ciara, you're the one who would regret laying your filthy hands on me.” I was surprised to see that there was no remorse in her eyes when suddenly she threw herself to the floor and clutched her cheeks as she cried out in pain. “No, Mrs. Reeds, please, I’m sorry. I didn't ask for this, you're misunderstanding,” she cried. I scoffed, oblivious to her schemes, “Okay, now you're asking for mercy?” It was when I saw the small coy smile playing on her lips that I realized it was all an act. Just then the door opened and Tony burst into the office, his face filled with fury. “What nonsense is this?” he yelled at me, “Why are you here, Ciara?” I scoffed as I watched him help Hailey stand up. He checked her cheeks that had my palm print on them. “What? Here to defend your mistress?” I hissed at him. “I’m sorry, sir, your wife seems to be misunderstanding the gift you got me. Please, don't blame her, it’s not her fault,” Hailey said pitifully. “Wow, you deserve an Oscar!” I snapped at her. “Get out!” Tony said to me. I was momentarily shocked as I stared at him my eyes widening in surprise. “Wh…what?” I stuttered. “Get out of my office, Ciara, and never come to my workplace to create such a scene,” he snapped. “But I saw her —” My words were cut short when I felt a sharp sting across my face only to realize Tony had just slapped me. “I am your husband and you will obey me. GET OUT!” he yelled. I touched my cheeks as my eyes stung with tears while Hailey gave me a smug smile as I stumbled out of his office, my body frozen with shock. Tony, who had never let me get hurt before, had just slapped me for another woman. The realization was like a bitter pill to swallow as I drove to the cemetery where the burial was supposed to be held. I tried not to think of the incident and focus on comforting the man’s wife but it became worse when Tony arrived with Hailey and they stood beside me trying to mirror the image of a perfect couple with me as their secretary. Just as the service was concluded and the coffin was lowered into the ground, the woman burst into tears. I was certain she was mourning a love that had ended abruptly. Even though my husband wasn't dead I knew how she felt because, for the past two years, it felt like my husband was dead. That was when we heard the screeching of tires as about ten SUVs surrounded the cemetery. Before I knew it the sound of gunshots filled the air as people screamed and scrambled away while I watched as Tony dived down with Hailey shielding her with his body and I stood frozen with shock. There was danger and my husband instead of protecting me had left me for the wolves while he protected his mistress. “Get down!” an unfamiliar voice yelled. The words barely registered before I felt a sharp pain as someone tackled me to the ground and I lost track of time as my eyes suddenly grew heavy. “Stay with me!” I heard an unfamiliar voice but it sounded so distant. Then I slowly closed my eyes and gave in to the darkness. Chapter 3 Ciara’s Pov The incessant beeping of the machine was the first sound I heard when I opened my eyes followed by the bright lights hanging above me. I realized I was in the hospital as the memories of Tony shielding Hailey with his body flashed before my eyes. What had happened? I wondered as I felt a sharp pain close to my stomach. The door opened and a doctor came inside. She had a bright smile on her face. “Mrs. Reeds, I’m so glad you're awake,” she smiled. “What happened?” I asked, my throat dry. “You don't recall?” she asked, frowning. I shrugged, “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” The doctor helped me sit up as I let out a sharp groan, she smiled apologetically at me before propping me with a pillow. “You were shot, Mrs. Reeds,” she said, as I gulped down the water she gave me. My mind flashed to the gunshot and I frowned, I had thought it was a dream but that was the sad reality of my life. “In the course of performing surgery to remove the bullet we found out you were pregnant, we tried our best but you lost the baby,” the doctor added. The words rang in my ears as I sat feeling numb, staring at her while my hands subconsciously touched my lower belly. “I was pregnant?” I asked. The doctor nodded, “We are so sorry, Mrs. Reeds. If there's anything you need at all —” “When will I be discharged?” I asked, interrupting her. She blinked, “The nature of your injuries is severe, I don't recommend leaving the hospital soon.” “How fast can I be discharged?” I demanded, a bit forceful this time. The doctor swallowed cautiously, “We can keep you for observation, and if there's no bleeding you can leave tomorrow but you're not allowed to do any strenuous task.” I nodded, “Thank you, Doctor.” She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text message to an unsaved number on my phone just as I heard a light knock on the door. I raised my head and saw it was Tony, standing in the doorway with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry, I just panicked and I was closer to Hailey and you're older than her so I figured you'd know what to do, I didn't know you would keep standing till the bullet hit you,” Tony rambled in what seemed like an apology. I just gave him a blank look without batting an eye at him. “Say something, please,” he said, “The doctor told me about the baby too. I know we've been trying to get one for years. I'm sure you'll get pregnant again.” I scoffed, for two years Tony had never touched me until he came home one-night drunk as a skunk one month ago and we had. After that, he never touched me and that was how I got pregnant. I looked away from him and focused my attention on my phone which was now pinging with a series of text messages. “Mrs. Reeds, please forgive us.” The sound of Hailey’s mocking voice was like a slap to my face as I looked up and saw her hiding behind Tony, without a single bruise on her body while Tony had scratches on his arm and face from protecting her. Without thinking, I removed the IV and stood up ignoring the searing pain I felt below my abdomen. Tony, who knew me so well, saw the rage on my face as he tried to shield Hailey with his body. “Please, Ciara, she's just a kid don't be mad at her,” he pleaded, “Be mad at me instead —” The words were barely out of his lips when I slapped him, pushing him aside. Tony was so shocked he barely had time to stand up as I slapped Hailey twice and pushed her to the ground. Hailey cried and held her cheeks while Tony scrambled and ran toward her. “Ciara, are you mad? See what you've done to the innocent girl. She's not the one who sent shooters to the burial or made you keep standing like a fool while they were shooting,” Tony spat angrily. I stared at him and scoffed, “Both of you will regret this, I will make sure of it.” With my eyes blazing in anger, I walked out of the hospital. I barely made it to the car park when I realized my stitches had ripped and I was bleeding. “Damn it!” I groaned. I leaned heavily against a car when I saw two black SUVs heading toward me. The cars stopped before me as armed men stepped out of the car. One of the men stepped forward and bowed before handing me an envelope. “It's ready, Mistress,” he said. I opened the envelope and read the contents nodding as I hurriedly signed before giving it back to him. “Make sure he signs it,” I ordered. The man nodded as he led me to the car which drove off immediately. “Relax, Mistress, we’ll soon arrive at the private airstrip where we parked the jet,” the driver said. I nodded and relaxed even though my lower abdomen was hurting me. Just as we arrived and I was about to enter the jet, my phone rang. I glanced at it and saw it was Tony. “Ciara, what is this madness? Instead of you to apologize for what you've done to Hailey you hired goons to force me to sign a divorce certificate? Come here right now!” Tony spat angrily over the phone. “Go to hell and so help me God if you ever call my number again I’ll make you wish for death!” I threatened before I hung up and tossed my phone into the trash. I smoothed my dress as I walked into the helicopter. I will make Tony and Hailey regret their actions. They just wait!"		Novel Short		18526	https://www.facebook.com/61563664675187/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731863	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:52 PM	1740993493	1749433935		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481221039_1150436016808406_4095441298555034668_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4w2A3LUiWIwQ7kNvgFBMjXB&_nc_oc=AdimSFJNegvVIxS139iYQRGPwdrpmgnQzmdRsZFMxXuysgCTZmIaTP95MhtiNxS3TGtSJQosnL8HpKsYP7933bDc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYD3HRzXqFrfGifZ07qi6XEDqley_QV7SIr-F1bap49xEA&oe=67CB5BDF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731924	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:52 PM	1740993494	1749433952		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481251725_1689192798616905_2885539810405796488_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R_iUOjc1s10Q7kNvgGrmBPv&_nc_oc=Adi5VWQDgiFPlVbkIcXeKg7QEexU3tWxuO90JALHG8qghKqNiJmkTYPJPVOJ2fvvmgNfYPe3Nd1CApDMKyRbH-FT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYBu_Y9xU0UkjZpaPj3czSEM0tmjjMTND1MwTIR_EIlqFw&oe=67CB4043	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731842	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:57 PM	1740993493	1749434237		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481270907_1180985770700093_8133106373361938708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_MlvPmGX18QQ7kNvgFFdhIe&_nc_oc=AdgtjB-ZPSrOiEbuRKmTlPUy_D3yplXuLjXDvnEUC3He0Msc6bSbaJt78WCSYFNhxrg8VCspAsqqCdsgX1EQ6aOs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYDKpHnwTuCvY7axTx1kdcmsaY7cKRzSTXlWgDfmKIV1bA&oe=67CB46D7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731892	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:39 PM	1740993494	1749433159		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482064988_545617537910851_4905172865009877531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uc_ctE9KMmUQ7kNvgF3jJU_&_nc_oc=AdiXyTvhuXEbApQmhKyhLRm-_A5iX2tVWB7U6Jc1_Qq6X0GQP5yqEOd2c0d3KR9xGsBhRo34RFcxm_yTfPQYKwQR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYABe9RL084cvXzWQtz13tsvgSsLd5md9EyjinFXwa-ZbA&oe=67CB4A46	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731552	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:47 PM	1740993486	1749433637		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480796066_1940022996404647_6573159444236460776_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2SDmIC2TGdUQ7kNvgEWgxSI&_nc_oc=AdhXMZcNkiT17Wc_MzooWDo8DpF7pCLVE-3hh91IzuA6XTNLPTlRl3ZV-PXMdB_6s0Rr-O-cAkdheT1Y6Lsu5YMg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYDafYw12j5sbm2xOyhfDszTbZXJK8gAw3GPjEwpQBGvoQ&oe=67CB5140	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732304	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:49 PM	1740993502	1749433741		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481986261_611327171876886_7452568578084907619_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qLQmOOBxNXgQ7kNvgFbAOTy&_nc_oc=AdjVO_33g2jFoi9cpm-oklP0yL5HLBCR69Rych7EusI1nNmyRtObOgwR1dKC2rQrG2zbtKmlK8lo7eGs3dqdX6f-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYAGowANWuKV5GiQMh5EpW004PCAYzyWuzCQPEZG46tvfg&oe=67CB4ABD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732257	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 10:16 PM	1740993501	1749439015		2747																										read.americanhealthjournal.org	Learn more			IMAGE	Harvard Exposes: 5 Nerve-Damaging “Toxins” Causing Neuropathy in Seniors Across the U.S.	THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL AND NOT AN ACTUAL ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE.DISCLAIMERThis website is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Visitors are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualifi...	https://trk.skatrk02.com/67b42a69b88b44fbc273aff9?v1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&v2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&v3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&v4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&v5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&v6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&v7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&v8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&utm_source=MD-fb-nerve&utm_medium=paid			5.817074150231E+14	Mandy Rogers	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481232743_1793849494748838_3811771419863846377_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=B_zuEYhc55wQ7kNvgF6A4QB&_nc_oc=AdgUtQcML6aKDV81JjhtLZX4pDze-he1FiOWFj3lEm0_pQSIQgR5Ypc9iz2yI4FaskvsWBBErcpr6cW3N-x9moUd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMfw3qxBJshQQQ0gNU6bEPw&oh=00_AYBpX62Nu8LWSIiUnsULTOVxChSm1lUqAy67trA2zCcEIQ&oe=67CB39F6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Every "solution" for my Nerve Pain failed, while my granddaughter kept asking "Nana, will you dance with me today?" Then I discovered why all those treatments weren't working... Now we twirl together every weekend, just like I promised her we would. "Grandma, why can't you dance with me anymore?" Little Emma's innocent question brought tears to my eyes that Sunday afternoon. The Burning in my feet was so intense, I could barely stand… Let alone dance with my precious granddaughter. It felt like I was Walking on Hot Coals... every single step pure agony. How do you explain to a 6-year-old that Grandma's feet feel like they're on fire? That the same feet that used to chase her around the yard, tend to my garden, and dance at family gatherings... were now betraying me? I smiled through the pain. "Just a little tired, sweetheart." But we both knew it wasn't that. The burning had started slowly – just a slight tingling at first. The kind you brush off, thinking it'll pass. Then came the numbness The thousands of needles The shooting pains Soon, I couldn't even walk to the mailbox without gripping my cane for dear life. But the worst moment? When I had to cancel hosting our weekly dinner because I couldn't stand long enough to cook anymore. The tone in my daughter's face when I called to cancel...that mixture of worry and pity... it broke something inside me. I tried everything the doctors recommended: Medications that left me feeling like a zombie The expensive creams that did nothing to help Even those special socks they said would help Nothing worked. The burning just kept getting worse. "This is just part of aging," they said. "You'll have to learn to live with it." But how do you "live with" feeling like your feet are being blow-torched every single day? How do you accept becoming a prisoner in your own home? Then one Sunday after church… I overheard my friend Martha talking about how Nerve Pain had nearly confined her to a wheelchair. I couldn't believe it – Martha, who now ran the church bake sale, who danced at her grandson's wedding last month… Had suffered from burning feet worse than mine? I cornered her after service, desperate for answers. "Oh honey," she said, seeing me lean heavily on my cane, "I know exactly what you're going through." What she told me next shocked me to my core... She explained how a neurologist had discovered that certain foods we eat every day were creating something called "toxic plaque" in our nerves. This plaque was literally suffocating our nerves from the inside out, causing that terrible burning sensation. "Karen," she said, lowering her voice, "Did you know that one of the most common breakfast foods is actually the worst culprit?" Then she told me about this weird “Pepper” Hack that was helping people flush out these nerve-destroying toxins. I was skeptical at first. After all, I'd tried eliminating everything from sugar to gluten... But Martha grabbed my hands and said something I'll never forget: "Before I learned about this, I was just like you - trapped in my rocking chair, missing out on life. Now look at me! The difference is understanding what's really happening to your nerves." That hit home hard. When she explained how this toxic plaque builds up over time, everything started making sense... Why the pain got progressively worse... Why normal treatments weren't working... Why doctors couldn't seem to help... So I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose? The first few days, I didn't notice much difference... But by the end of week one, something changed. I realized I'd made it through an entire day without reaching for my pain pills. Then I noticed I could feel the carpet under my feet again. By week three, the constant burning had reduced so much, I actually slept through the night for the first time in months. But the real miracle? Last weekend, when Emma ran up to me asking for our special dance... I was able to take her little hands and twirl her around the living room, without fear, without pain, and without my cane. The look of pure joy on her face – being able to dance with my granddaughter again – I couldn't hold back the tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. My husband says I'm like a different person now. My daughter can't believe the change. And me? I feel like I've gotten my life back. I can garden again. I can cook again. I can be the grandmother I want to be. I'm sharing this because I know there are others out there suffering like I was. Watching their independence slip away... Living in constant fear of every step... Missing precious moments with their family... If that's you, please know there's hope. I've shared a link below to article that explains everything. It's a short read, but it might just change your life like it changed mine. Don't let burning feet steal any more precious moments with your family. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Take Care and God Bless		Mandy Rogers		3085	https://www.facebook.com/61572661484060/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731927	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 6:30 AM	1740993494	1749123001		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476850781_1147136923582818_3643623637156576821_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kx5p4SofVY0Q7kNvgHRHsjP&_nc_oc=AdhC64vO6G_qufQgEGM1j4Wq4kknlplKi7OKheutmaGaInlAb6QGvFrEmNLgW_RTvGiuxJEsULA33GYVaR4AQPLJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYAOKEal11mrl1HREL0UkpVqR-evxqnQnHMdIrl8PlW5OQ&oe=67CB3ED6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732148	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 2:10 AM	1740993499	1749453025		2747																										www.healthsourcechiro.com	Sign up			VIDEO	Say Bye to Sciatica Now!		https://www.healthsourcechiro.com/decatur/schedule-appointment			4.849336249417E+14	HealthSource Chiropractic of Decatur	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481448075_2692914921078933_1624329745444804579_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yfYgESCmu6sQ7kNvgFwgKKZ&_nc_oc=AdiOUpnmC_7xXBsr1my5ulWDqqn7JvA-YHAp65hM9-7Ld8Xfi-FAJzgEB2VeuLzN8E1z0GlJurevIjc9_9BH9gaH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYAEUj66TEuUN93DkSCfFF40PFpORKGUXeh51DbDUSYq7Q&oe=67CB3B9E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If sitting, standing, or sleeping is painful, you may have sciatica. Our proven Spinal Traction relieves nerve pain fast—without meds or surgery. Book your appointment today! Schedule Online 💻 ➡ https://www.healthsourcechiro.com/decatur/schedule-appointment Call/Text 📱➡ 256-822-1010		HealthSource Chiropractic of Decatur		2995	https://www.facebook.com/HealthSourceChiropracticDecatur/	0		SIGN_UP								View Edit Delete
2732106	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 1:22 AM	1740993498	1749450126		2747																										lc.newyear25now.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Tap to learn more...		https://lc.newyear25now.com/677702e7746bea7f54561456?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.9035380083914E+14	Michelle Thompson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481211002_1160989515430310_3616736848183131044_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Gld8f3XwNKgQ7kNvgGpS3-H&_nc_oc=AdhMq_YSWa_eJar1cFEvILx8PkvlYBSee1RcpUmLTCYB0Jucref9cr6yD-LPBFL0C3zk-uEXq53AkuA7HWjZGu4_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYAdp4NOtHbHwqHaif6NXPnua-WzpJhw4mVIR79g1XaW6w&oe=67CB4158	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Step by step to deal properly with neuropathy discomfort...		Michelle Thompson		150	https://www.facebook.com/61556653712101/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731665	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 2:06 AM	1740993489	1749798408		2747																										neurorelieve.com	Order now			VIDEO	Your Relief Is Here.	Say goodbye to pain & swelling at home.	https://neurorelieve.com/products/neurorelief-4-in-1-thermo-relief-massager			4.2661521053334E+14	Neurorelieve	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481122641_1768896203682421_6867573797071738155_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tUSDYFVmWBsQ7kNvgEBrzgi&_nc_oc=AdjPL32qiiB3X-J_uHANdaokk7gfcwqorf1e1S29hFezin8prfJZs8FyxIJdS1cJusfcILRv9zxy32N8GbLX3EOw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYBrtY4StFY-ZkZxgXElMwNsLXK_juFCdAiPtX4TpyD3Gw&oe=67CB2C1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"As someone who works long shifts at Amazon, the NeuroRelief™ Massager has been a game-changer. After just a few days, my leg pain eased up a lot. It’s super simple to use, and the relief it brings after a long day on my feet is just what I needed!" – Katy J. If you’re constantly on your feet, dealing with swelling, muscle fatigue, or poor circulation, you don’t have to suffer anymore. 💡 Here’s How NeuroRelief™ Works: ✔️ EMS & TENS Therapy – Stimulates muscles & blocks pain signals ✔️ Infrared Heat Therapy – Reduces inflammation & stiffness ✔️ Red Light Therapy – Supports nerve regeneration & blood flow ✔️ Portable & Easy to Use – Instant relief anytime, anywhere Katy isn’t alone – Thousands are already experiencing the soothing relief they deserve. Now it’s your turn! 🚀 Try it Risk-Free – 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee! 🚀 🎯 Tap Below to Experience the Relief You Deserve! ⬇️ https://neurorelieve.com/products/neurorelief-4-in-1-thermo-relief-massager		Neurorelieve		299	https://www.facebook.com/61564873628836/	0		ORDER_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731968	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/6/25, 10:37 PM	1740993495	1746589022		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA698279FB77F24B9CF7C0DC2491948C33864F			3.4406036879983E+14	Story and plot	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482101147_433316619869797_4676190791325881083_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FN3u6p8ntFEQ7kNvgFiQHmJ&_nc_oc=AdgOkC5l73l3E3Fth2Gsv9OrFdEf5Joags3SrXV0BnCudoZsnLtBlYpmI9YUEeUjnv9zEKK0tcPlk9I0bDgyzspx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYBfOAueqGDmVMZmbQQv0CBaVzprnEAZr1BdJaDrVdcslw&oe=67CB2E64	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Story and plot		3158	https://www.facebook.com/61563528157322/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732297	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 4:23 AM	1740993502	1749461025		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480876946_1065127788730158_3861152769291420500_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LEk99MNDFsAQ7kNvgE_XVpG&_nc_oc=AdjKMxbc9mm0V1Fg9rQf1jLmezlX6ILg1j7F5_iiOz4512it94uouR_yDTjTJLRjfdx3TUeRmXTzpT8hWRhLe4B7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBefBiX_847vhkFD0lrHS67NRefAo7xIdMXiTYzfE-IiA&oe=67CB518E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15347	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732288	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 4:43 AM	1740993502	1749462206		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481790194_1160770795505586_3064698514766280563_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MnOgdwODSoUQ7kNvgFNHqS0&_nc_oc=AdiN4gmE_g9g8K4elS28zlbkAWTS1Ffvkbm3S598fDcvsJzx8BHmMGp6ch9ARr1HlT9qrpQVEsUB9VWcEyHQ-Cs3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYAYQtufOIm3noQPjuIs5SZr2BBMkoQwV18dW-iqE-31dA&oe=67CB3234	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731679	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 4:51 AM	1740993489	1749462688		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481701977_3524626321165732_3954761736423953379_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eNrxEfJVzKgQ7kNvgHL9IYx&_nc_oc=AdjgUvYKxIr4bUDQQCINuBLERyu8hqAZhAyxIei3dsPokNcVWUJRUFykQdjdQEA0v7kFzON-zStreitDlGvuqn7v&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYDcsS6JJRCYoWteLNS_v_cvXSYXC1F4USC3gh7VP4N5MQ&oe=67CB590F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732264	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 5:32 AM	1740993501	1749465123		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman.		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846827%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481020836_1164517245109410_5130811546725499081_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-22HZNgRAgMQ7kNvgHyDLjY&_nc_oc=AdgCiWW0NF0AIXLdmpCFLEhWiXfEF3us3rw2IlIlcwUh9t5RXrL2Gk_cj_XZA3wvE5aBeXtdmFmsOPdtyNqEVlGH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYAkAju1yUzr6WWDnnaoq_xUOs3kqX6QPPNxq5oJ_LxIjg&oe=67CB4E83	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731860	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 5:56 PM	1740993493	1749596197		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481159574_1019209236929672_6966477309477928549_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h923ehjsPicQ7kNvgEp7wH_&_nc_oc=AdifuoyHzPAPSvGD66l8Y5FztxWB4QTB36ahTezbUH1PB-szOHpZNtKtOpqOawrzBE602yK19zWDGeKZ4wCzWFYR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYCMRGuFVOTk5Uwhemcb9hndfTpI9XouT4bAyhCN716NvA&oe=67CB5C72	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731372	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/27/25, 6:23 PM	1740993482	1745796222		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481704270_974746451292039_3974019587825910098_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LVBZr9_alJ8Q7kNvgGqqIng&_nc_oc=Adh3OG6Vd8RcmoczghuGeRlmiIAURlgxzNPIjPUrico5M3L-pXwR6wy7BrhuF6KLHM-kmDWDkK6w3fHr2n3tWWhG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYBgCRyOv4JEM68RHKj68vLxMRNNppeuRRxUu8RrY5jatA&oe=67CB287D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731762	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 7:36 AM	1740993491	1746621418		2747																											Send Message			CAROUSEL	Golden Touch Equine Services					5.4300460555545E+14	Golden Touch Equine Services	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481914636_1713248892930584_6005988060014319628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IQ7SgVTdn2MQ7kNvgEn0W74&_nc_oc=AdjjnQiSxKOlWFl0GKLRRwcnTeMsMk3B9nEp0oxJR-mdqAEqvN0lEkDHouPAi2ejDq59kK225fO8KKsNLjBfPxTi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYAMrZNbuCwsTBRLaOQjOjAZB9SS2UUMHM9gIs1T2irWHQ&oe=67CB4206	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Golden Touch Equine Services		22	https://www.facebook.com/61570335485780/	0		MESSAGE_PAGE								View Edit Delete
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2731743	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 8:33 AM	1740993490	1746624822		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481279145_645097831241462_1726690722646030240_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BAsC6GbchCUQ7kNvgFhKFJB&_nc_oc=AdiGxjLQh1UTu1XqC6APiB7tc4ib6ffrnc_oEmQSMNRP15yiYvm_KZ9I2kHSh4Nmo3stibmj9f5XtxOMUSCmlEr5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYA0ADHgV9YCvn9R5poni_W5gyS-rZYtR0wUOMHbIBOpbA&oe=67CB29FF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732309	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 7:56 PM	1740993502	1749085013		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Vai subito agli episodi completi ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=48350&language=it&timestamp=1738059602860&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481203185_1806340540128417_3745431898535421857_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SJppIaWAsakQ7kNvgENh-hi&_nc_oc=AdhLFeQaiVDjc99b6W0DiqQUoNN9yYtmY6GG32bRqk0yrlo7z3peZ8tcCZHRZLty87Y1idlxW26KatyGV-7cClD2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYBTTiyrua6zpYbY6XZ9PQWndOfNt5-8T0XLys0l3FyePQ&oe=67CB4F41	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Caldo, così caldo.🔞 🔥Migliaia di brevi drama vengono aggiornati continuamente...... Giovane padrone, la signora ha firmato un accordo di divorzio ed è volata all'estero...... 👇Scarica ShortMax per guardare altre serie🎬		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731556	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 9:27 AM	1740993486	1749479269		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480527638_2212245549235384_1532541657027539021_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LMTXJSdpDa8Q7kNvgEm0574&_nc_oc=Adgy9qEUCyQhMQaYdond2MQ5NEXQtsYvMIz5NYsy2mjadB_AwmFsLuLAz2K7TX5LVrIq9xFWtoiVnuoVUDuk0TIy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYCfPAP_kK9VJ1tppX5RUU3pQd9a7J3nEXLIVjNX9mW88Q&oe=67CB3B4C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731567	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 10:11 AM	1740993487	1749481905		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481130316_1317369249318430_1028584014909981151_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OmzG-hVI0AYQ7kNvgFDllZd&_nc_oc=Adi9Hfumbk8nV16w1ZuChpEfxGvLLiPRjp9RhlulCC4eYjetWCleN_WD7W1W2NFNXvamuKB-1smSvog9hhnxDPLB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYBsRs01TIPXlSf3Ws_7Ydi1E9uQ9mCtMG58MR3K2ndM7Q&oe=67CB32C3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731641	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 10:03 AM	1740993488	1746630190		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Watch more episodes👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057855.html?language=en&timestamp=1739262620902&channelCode=DLLPF1057855&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			2.4897603162939E+14	Maggie sharing	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481209359_1649561542342632_8307596092539879713_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MY_eKa-tmqcQ7kNvgHXsSBS&_nc_oc=AdgNA5gAzFry5tj2IyXCqpBvjF-VPwGMSC6mjF7M_Ef5UEuJ2E3ewbdgPt1_53KdAYKAO0-m6CoI9Ua3NuvFdmZd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYBQpRycDx7Ktsb3bNC5UvXIcIKakO-dsuXCcZa7Qovqbw&oe=67CB4A86	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		Maggie sharing		95801	https://www.facebook.com/61556715931577/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732300	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 1:37 PM	1740993502	1749494265		2747																										tastenovel.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	Lying under different Alphas every night, I was already marked several times.		https://tastenovel.readlife.mobi/47nm10c00.html			1.0264170208862E+14	IReader	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481077531_1694770258050560_7504885347684151226_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kVJlmypg9FAQ7kNvgEOGwug&_nc_oc=Adhv9DmPOr3Dzu8QawsPmeKHU8Ro_4M_0qItY0ZnhQl30Vi8V6e_SdWS6AMNJtdpyOuwB1IegdfjB8nBNCygQght&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBvdKq5ixh_8l-KbZA4jcHG-OvtCHGfwtcf3ctNl3TIzw&oe=67CB5328	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥🔞My best friend was inside me. On my boyfriend's bed. Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him. "I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, getting ready to give my boyfriend my cherry. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I looked up into his eyes. I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" He froze above me at that moment and his groggy voice spoke above me, "Avery?" It wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's voice, but my best friend... Alpha Xade's! Avery's pov Today is my boyfriend Kyan's birthday and I wanted to surprise him by seducing him and giving him my virginity. I had planned it for months and I think I am finally ready to give it to him, however, things get a bit complicated when it's not him that ends up inside me. ___ "I think it's too much," I grumble under my breath, tugging at the very short skirt I had borrowed from my friend Melissa. It's a floral figure hugging skirt that showed off my body in a very sexual way. I topped it off with a simple white cropped top and wore the silver necklace Kyan gifted me a few months ago for my twentieth birthday. Under it is a red lace thong and bra, Kyan's favorite color on me. He said it makes me look incredibly sexy and I want to look incredibly sexy tonight for him. She rolled her eyes where she was on the bed and let out a puff of air. "I think you look sexy and Kyan will not be able to take his eyes off you." I chewed on my lips. She was probably right. Melissa had a knack for being right anyway. I pushed up my glasses on my nose and twisted around to get a better look. I was skinny but had a good size bottom and chest area. "You look good V, now go surprise your man!" Melissa hopped off the bed and strut over to me and gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. She did something funny with her lips and then motioned for me to sit on the chair. " Let me curl your hair better. Maybe add a little makeup too," her voice beamed with excitement to doll me up further. I sat in the chair for longer than was necessary getting my hair curled to perfection by my bubbly friend who had mentioned she was tired earlier but the exhaustion seem to have magically disappeared. Afterward, Melissa did my makeup and I clenched my eyes shut as she sprayed the setting spray on my face. I scrunched up my nose and she giggled. " Come on its not that bad," she snorted. " Oh, it is," I say, holding in my sneeze. I hated the setting spray, it would always raise up my sinuses. Melissa set it down on the table and lifted her hand up in surrender. " Okay I am done, I no longer have the weapon," she shifted to the side so I could see my reflection in the mirror. I am stunned. Just a little bit of makeup and it has enhanced my beauty by a lot. I looked bewitching with the way she added the eyeliner. Wow. It brought out my grey eyes, I can even see the small flecks of green that have always been hard to notice. "You look incredible and he'll be so happy to see you," Melissa whispered, giving me a smile while she fixed up my curls. I nod, sighing. "I hope so. It's a surprise." I played with the ends of the skirt nervously. "He will love it," Melissa grinned and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Now hurry before the dorm monitor catches you sneaking out." I nod, standing up and feeling the weight of nerves settle in my stomach. Seeing my anxiety Melissa squeezed my hand reassuringly. She knew what my plan was and even though she didn't quite like Kyan, she told me it was my decision to give him something so precious to me. After a small prep talk from her, I walked out of the dorm, throwing the side bag strap over my shoulder and smiled at one of the girls who walked by. It's late already, around ten thirty p.m. Kyan should already be in his bed. He had already texted me earlier to say he was off to sleep. It took me a good ten minutes to get to Kyan's dorm which he shared with Xade Archer, the notorious bad boy on the campus and my best friend who I had known for years. We had grown up together and practically knew everything about each other. Joined at the hip my mom would joke about. My family always moved when I was younger and we finally settled in a small town where his dad was a mayor. I can remember the day we met, we were around ten, and me being shy hid behind the teacher who was introducing me to the class. Xade was the first to become my friend after an annoying girl pushed out her foot to trip me. I had stumbled and fell right on top of him and let's just say we had been the closest ever since. As I near the door, a bundle of nerves shook me. Xade was not home, Kyan had mentioned he went off to a party and wouldn't be back yet. Knowing Xade, he'd not be back until morning so this was a good opportunity for Kyan and I to do the deed while he was away. I'd definitely not want my best friend to hear me have my first time with his dorm mate. That would not only be embarrassing but I didn't think I would be able to face him again. The pressure in my lower stomach was weighing down heavily and my pulse quickened. I hauled in air through my nose and pushed it out lightly through my mouth, trying to relax my growing anxiety. My body had become clammy and I was sure if I didn't get in that room soon, I'd collapse. The corridor was empty, thank God for that. I didn't want any guy to see me sneak in the room even though my boyfriend is in there. I flushed. They'd definitely know what we will be doing in there. I took out the spare keys Xade had given me months ago. I wanted to surprise Kyan and this came in handy. My clammy and trembling hands struggle to push the key in the hole and after a few struggles I finally did it without waking up anyone. The room is completely pitched black and I contemplate if to put the lights on or not. But decided I was nervous enough as it was and needed it to be dark to even grow some confidence. It shouldn't be bad right? Just stick it in and be done with it? I closed the door behind me lightly, seeing the shape of his figure in his bed, covered by his sheets. He's facing away, sleeping on his side. My heart raced. This was it. I would finally give him my virginity. I walked to the bed, taking my time so I'd not trip. I'll just be quick. With anxiety building in my body, I reach his bed and leaned forward, whispering. " Kyan," He let out a sound, kind of like a tired groan but I wasn't sure. The sound of my heart was ramming too loudly in my ears for me to focus on his response. He shifted, turning on his back and I quickly straddle him, my breathing coming in short pants as I got ready to give my boyfriend my virginity. # 2 Avery's pov Just get it over with Avery. I chanted in my head as I leaned forward and kissed Kyan's cheek. I frowned when I felt a slight bit of stubble. He had shaved yesterday, was it possible for his stubble to grow back so quickly? The thoughts flew out quickly when his hands clamped on my hips to keep me on his lap. His hands made me squirm. His touch was lighting up a fire in me. It burned. I lifted slightly and pushed down the sheets off him and straddle him once more, moaning when I felt him nudge at my opening. He makes a soft grunt sound again under me and I took this as an invitation to kiss down his chin while I begin to dry hump him, rolling my hips in a way I thought would be seductive. It worked because he was so hard as a rock under me, I could feel him pressing against me. Wow. He felt huge! Was he even going to fit? I nibbled on his chin, making him buck up his hip and of course for his hardness to rub against me. Since I had a short skirt on it was hunched around my waist and my thin lace panties was a sad excuse of a barrier. He felt so hot. And I was so wet. " I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, rolling my hips over him to feel him. He felt so good. It's kind of strange actually, I have straddle him before but it has never urged me to feel so incredible or want more. In fact before, I would squirm and make an excuse for us to not go further. But tonight, something has changed. There's a burning desire, a need, a claim to have him inside me. I rocked my hips and his hands on my waist tighten as he pumped up, groaning sexily. He sounded more hoarse too. Sexy. So sexy. I am so wet I can barely think. All nervousness flew out the window when I felt just how excited he was under me. I press my palm to his bare chest, surprised by how tone it felt. It's never felt this tone before but perhaps it feels a bit different now that he is naked. I push out my tongue, running it along his cheek, an odd need to taste him overcoming me. He grunted, hips flexing up, his hardness smacking against me. His fingers dig into my hips and then they sweep over to my bottom, gripping them. " Oh," I moaned, rolling my hips more and surely wetting his boxers with my juices. But I didn't care. I was finally going to do this. My nips harden when one of his hand grip my breast and squeeze. His touch burned through me and sent shivers of pleasure to rake through my body. I needed him. Gosh I needed him. I panted, letting out little sounds of pleasure as he rocked his hips up to meet my little dance. I could no longer wait. There's something building, something I want right now. I am desperate as I push off him a little and free him of his boxers. I can't really see him but I feel him when I wrap my fingers around his girth. Oh hell. He really is huge. I gulped. Even though there's a little fear that he won't fit, my walls cry, begging for him to come right in. I push out a nervous breath, straddle him and with one hand push my panties aside and guided his tip at my entrance. He feels so hot in my hands and I can feel him pulse. It's now or never. Holding my breath, I pressed down, taking the head of him into my very tight opening. My jaw slackened and his loud moan made me shiver. Oh God. This feels so good even though it stings. He goes back to gripping my hips, hard and pushed up slightly as I descend on him, pulling him further into me. "Ohh," I whimpered when the head of his member brushed against my hymen, the barrier. I can hear his strangled breathing in the room, feel his pulsing length inside me, snuggled by my walls that clench around him. I am soaking him and he seems to enjoy this. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. And I did, with one push, I let him break through me and bit my tongue by the tight full feeling. My thighs shook and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Hell, he was too big. I stilled with him inside me, trying to adjust to the mere size of him. It feels like he had grown bigger if it was possible and I feared he'd stretch me out so much I'd need stitches after this. He rubbed my hips, still pulsing inside me. It was as if he was trying to soothe me and it was working. My aching muscles begin to relax around him and the pain dulled until I no longer felt it. However, I can feel him. Hot and throbbing. Every inch of him was inside me, every single inch. My walls squeezed around him and he groaned, nails digging back into my flesh. The sounds coming out of his mouth were sexy and in response I became more wet and the fire that pricked me earlier began to bloom once more until I needed him so badly. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I lifted slightly, my walls gripping around him in reluctance to let him out. But if I don't move and ride him I would die. I stopped until the tip alone was inside me and slide back down on his length. He shuddered, pulsing and gripped my waist as I began to move. Our rough breathing filled the room as I bounced on his hardness. He filled me over and over and I swore he was growing. He pulsed, gasping as I rocked my hips. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it was so so good. Why hadn't I done this with him sooner? I can see myself doing this with him more than once tonight. Hopefully, before Xade gets home. My skin was prickled with beads of sweat, on my forehead and even on my upper lip. His body seemed to be growing warmer too and the sounds that left his throat grew a bit more.....rouged. I gasped, pressing my palms on his hard chest and riding him. I could feel every inch of him, feel the tip of him nudge against my womb. He feels so good I whimper. " Ohh hmm," I moaned, my clit throbbing and my walls sucking him in. With a hiss, Kyan flipped us over as if he was fed up with my slow movements and was desperate. A scream tore through my throat when he angled my hips up and began to pound into me, feeding me his huge girth. It's a good thing I was so wet. The sounds of our intimate parts meeting was even louder than our loud breathing and cries of pleasure. He hovered above me, so powerful and intimidating. He pressed against me, one of his fists beside my head while the other hand gripping my top and tore it off, revealing my red lace bra. He couldn't see it in the dark but he felt it. He cupped my breast, his thumb brushing against the lace material where my nips had beaded hard for him. I let out a strangled moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I am aware that I am growing even more wet and I am so aware of how hard he's pounding into me right now. I don't tell him it's too much because I took all of it. I took every inch he gave me and I loved it. I loved it so much I moaned out ' yes please give me more.' And he did, angling his hips in a way that made the tip brush a very sensitive part inside me that made me let out a scream of pleasure, my eyes rolling back. I am very sure I may have woken up most of the guys rooms that are closer. I almost felt bad. Almost. But I was so full of pleasure and so full of him that I couldn't think about anyone else or how loud I truly was. My walls gripped him as he thrust in and out and he grunted above me, dropping his head on my chest and pushing down my bra to reveal my bareness. I cried when his lips wrapped around my bud, nipping and sucking. I shivered. His hair was brushing against my neck, soft and smelled strangely of apple. Since when does Kyan use the apple shampoo I bought for both him and Xade? The thought flew out the window when his teeth wrapped around my pebble and he bit hard. My hips bucked up at the assault and I scratched down his back, surely marking him with my nails. " Oh," I whimpered, becoming a mess under him. " Oh please," I moaned, pushing my hips up so I could take every inch he was giving to me. He groaned and let out a sound that didn't quite sound human, however, I was too lost to focus on it or question what I had heard. Tears were flowing down but it was not because of pain but because of mind-blowing pleasure. The tip of him was rubbing against that sweet delicate spot again and was creating a pressure feeling that was building up like a tight fist in my lower stomach. Every nerve in my body seems to be on fire and it feels like I am on the verge of exploding. I am panting, trying to catch my breath as his rhythm changes into a more desperate urge. He was pounding me into the bed. The headboard knocking on the wall with loud aggressive pounds. If he keeps up this pace the bed might break. His thrust became more urgent, more hungry and I cried out with every thrust of his hips angling forward. I cling to him, my thighs shaking as I cry in desperation to free the tightness that had built in my lower stomach. He let my bud go with a pop and brought his mouth so close to mine that I was sure he would kiss me. But he didn't, only kept his lips so close that it felt like he was teasing me, which made me feel more desperate. His breath mingled with mine, every pant, sigh and moan drawing me closer to releasing that tightness I felt. His breathing was ragged and fast, hitting my lips as if taunting me to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. But I always hated Kyan's kisses and didn't want it to ruin the pleasure he thrust into me at the moment, so I don't give in to my craving and bit my lips to try to suppress the sounds of pleasure coming out of my mouth. Kyan growled above me. I noted how the sounds that left his throat almost reminded me of an animal. It sounded so possessive, so primal, so beastly. And as I looked up into his eyes, though I knew for sure I would not be able to see them, I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? That's odd. Just as I saw the strange color, I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" Kyan froze above me, yet his tip shoot his warm cum in me while I squirm and shiver as I come undone under him. I am still riding the after shocks of my pleasure when Kyan's groggy voice spoke above me. Only that it wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's, but my best friend Xade's. "Avery?" # 3 Avery's pov My heart seized. Completely stopped working. His voice had entirely penetrated and punctured the haze of pleasure we had just been in. Xade. This voice above me belonged to my best friend Xade. The cock inside me belonged to my best friend Xade. The dick I had just been riding... Xade.... Xade! I try to wrap my head around the situation I had just put us in as realization dawned on me. Something heavy dropped in my stomach. Was it dread? Fear? Regret? I wasn't sure. I couldn't think properly with his cock still throbbing inside me. And it didn't help that it was growing back hard and twitching. With trembling hands I push them on his sweaty chest, the same chest I had press against while I rode him. Oh God. My face heated up, the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. " Oh my God," I whispered, tears of shame pricking the corners of my eyes. This cannot be happening right now. I did not just sleep with my best friend. I did not just give him my virginity. I did not just get rammed by Xade freaking Archer. What have I done? What have we done? There was no going back now after this. The line is already blurred. Oh my God. My face was so hot I knew I was so beet red. I am thankful he cannot see me right now. " V?" he whispered softly and his cock twitched. Oh God this is embarrassing. " I'm sorry," I found my voice and clenched my eyes tightly as it came out filled with shame and regret. " I thought Kyan was home and you were out. I- I choked up, my chest heaving as I fought the bubble of urge to cry. How humiliating. If I had just put on the lights I would have noticed it wasn't Kyan and this wouldn't have happened. I just gave Xade my virginity. I tremble under him and Xade flipped us over, holding and hugging me as I cried with silent embarrassed sobs. He was still very much inside me and still hard. His hands lift in my hair and he soothed. " Shhh it's okay V," But it was not. We just slept together, I mistook him for my boyfriend who was his roommate and good friend and gave him my virginity. And not only that but he and Mel had a thing going on too. The line was more than blurred right now it was trashed. I screwed up. " I didn't- I hiccuped, sobbing and burying my face in my hands. I would do anything for the ground to open and swallow me whole to avoid this embarrassing situation. " I am so s-orry Xa-de," I croaked out, I didn't want to lose him. I definitely didn't want this to come between us. How would I face both Melissa and Kyan too? Oh God. When I felt another twitch inside me, I grew hot and awkwardly pull off him. I can't believe he was hugging me while still being inside me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed. I winced. Now that the haze of desire had evaporated, the pain of my muscles being pounded and used was very present. It feels like I had been rammed by a truck. Xade was definitely packing like Mel had boasted about. I winced. Mel... How was I so stupid to not have noticed that this had been my best friend all along. The strawberry scent, only Xade used the shampoo I bought them. Kyan had said it smelt too fruity and I knew Xade hated it but he was always one to make me feel happy. He was always more toned than the guys here too, and his hands were massive. I should have known they were not Kyan's clumsy hands. Xade had mapped my body with his fingers too skillfully for it to have been Kyan's. And those groans that had fluttered beside my ear, the grunts of pleasure- My face is hot and I scramble to right my panties, fixing my skirt as I rolled off the bed. Xade reaches out for me, his long fingers wrapping around my wrist to stop me. I sucked in a breath at the burning feeling his hands left on my skin. I had always felt it, but tonight it was way hotter. Almost like a scorching tingling fire. " Wait," his hoarse voice says through the awkward air. My heart rams against my chest. Oh God. Don't say anything to embarrass me please. I already didn't know what more I could tell him. Tears burned my vision. I really had royally screwed up. " We don't have to say anything," his voice is a whisper in the dark, caressing me. I hated that it did. " What?" I breathed out, my heart kicking up a notch. " We don't have to let anyone know," his thumb brush against my wrist as if trying to soothe me yet coax me to come back to bed. I didn't know which one. " This can stay between us." My heart leaped in my throat. Is he saying that we should pretend this never happened? That I never gave him my virginity? Would it save our friendship and our relationships? " Like it never happened?" I whispered into the night, searching for his eyes but it was so dark I couldn't see anything. It takes a good while for him to answer and when he did it comes out hoarse and thick. " Yes," he replied. " Like it never happened. You thought I was Kyan and I thought you were Melissa." His words feel like a punch in the gut even though they were nothing but the truth. However, he was giving us a way out of this shameful incident and how could I not take it? We could go back to how things were right? I will be able to face him tomorrow? I swallowed and nod. " Like it never happened." I agreed and pulled my arm free of his grip and fixed my clothes that he had ruffled. My top was yanked down but thankfully he had not torn it during his ravaging. As I left the room and closed the door behind me, the ache between my legs mocked me with a memory that I will never forget. # 4 Avery's pov Forget Avery. Forget about his breath on your lips, his cock inside you. Forget about it. Everything will go back to normal tomorrow. I chanted in my head as I made my way down the corridor. I am thankful it is still empty and no one is around to witness my walk of shame. As I made my way down the stairs I winced, the throbbing pain between my legs pushing back the thoughts of what had just happened. I still can't believe I had mistaken Xade for Kyan, straddled him and didn't give him a chance to protest as I practically seduced him. Why hadn't he said a thing? Why didn't he say Melissa's name? If he had I would have known who I was sleeping with. Sure he had been sleeping and probably tired when I approached him and straddled him but afterward he was clearly wide awake and practically pounded into me. I shook my head, blinking back the guilty wave of tears. I sniffled and continued my way down and froze when I saw the familiar chocolate color hair. Kyan. My heart thrummed. How could I face him after what I had just done? Panic settled in my stomach and I am begging God for a way out of here without him seeing me. But it would be impossible. There are only stairs up ahead and nowhere else to hide. And Kyan is already making his way up with a bag of chips in his hand and a soda. Had he gone out to buy those stuff while I had been with Xade? A swam of guilt and shame made me stumble and I nearly fall, grasping for the rail before I hurt myself. The little rush of surprised air from my lips pulled his attention, something I didn't want at the moment. Great. Just flipping great. He looks surprised to see me, as he should since I hadn't told him I'd be coming over. Giving him my virginity was supposed to be a surprise, a birthday gift for him being patient...well kind of. I was no longer a virgin.... Kyan had been my boyfriend for two years now. We met at this very college and he and Xade became friends and roommates. That's how we got introduced and a few months later I finally accepted his offer to a date. We never really had that spark but seeing Xade having that crazy college experience I decided to give it a shot too. Kyan was great, not a very good kisser but he was sweet and would buy me cotton candy. He wasn't Xade drop dead gorgeous but he was fairly attractive with chocolate hair, brown eyes and a sharp jawline. He was attractive enough to garner girls attention when we were out, not as much as Xade capture but one or two girls would certainly look. " Babe?" His thick brows are furrowed and a look of confusion cast through his eyes as he bounds up the stairs a bit more hastily. I nervously smiled, awkwardly stopping so he'd not notice how I walked. If he saw, he'd definitely know that I had been fucked. " Yeah." I croaked and inwardly closed my eyes in frustration. This night couldn't have gotten any worse. He smiled when he reaches me, towering over me even though he was a step lower than me. " I wasn't expecting to see you here," he leaned forward for a kiss and my belly did that odd somersault thing that nearly poked my urge to vomit. Before his lips could touch mine I turn my head so his lips could touch my cheek instead. I feel so guilty it's eating me up inside. He pulled away, his brows furrowing more. " What's wrong?" he demanded. I smiled awkwardly. " Oh nothing," I lied. " I just had some onion chips earlier and I know you hate the stench of onion." Was I being too obvious something happened? I didn't know how to act. This was the first time I have screwed up so badly and didn't know what to do. I was always the 'good girl' like they had labeled me for years. A good girl doesn't sleep with her best friend whose girlfriend was my friend. A good girl doesn't mistake her best friend for her boyfriend. If I was being obvious, Kyan didn't show it and smiled, nodding. " So why are you here?" his eyes twinkled. " At this hour and wearing this sexy skirt?" his eyes drop to my skirt. I flushed, not because his words invoked the fire Xade had earlier but did the opposite. I shifted on my feet. " I- Come on Avery think. " I was coming to surprise you but I saw Xade in there. Didn't you say he was out?" I pointed my thumb at the back of me. Kyan shrugged, shifting the bag in his hand. "Yeah he came back earlier. Something about the full moon and a headache." Right. Xade said he hated full moons because somehow he always feels like shit whenever it's up in the sky. For years when a full moon shows up, Xade would be locked in his room. But when we were back in the small town, he and his family would not have anyone come to their estate during that time. Some people thought they were odd, but I didn't. Concerned curled in my belly. Was he okay? Is that why he had been trying to sleep it off and I came up and practically screwed him? " Now I am intrigued," Kyan pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and want. His tongue licked across his lower lip and his eyes lowered to my cleavage. The little that showed. " What kind of surprise?" I smiled nervously. I had surely trapped myself. " Just a sweet surprise. Nothing special. But I must go now, Mel texted me that the dorm monitor is hot tonight and I don't want to get caught." " Oh," Kyan murmured in disappointment but still nod. " I'll see you tomorrow then?" he goes in for kiss but I sidestep him and wave. "Yeah," I strut down the stairs without looking back. " I'll see you tomorrow." If I can still walk that is. It was taking everything in me to make my walk look natural, but the ache between my legs was refusing for me to look natural right now. # 5 Avery's pov When I got back to the dorm, I was breathing hastily. Melissa is already asleep but when she hears me stumble a bit on one of her heels, she turns around and puts on the lamp. I winced, lifting my hand over my face to block the assault. " Well well well," she drawled out playfully. I wished she hadn't because now I felt even more guilty. " What do we have here? Hmm? A girl who had just gotten shagged?" " Christ Mel," I turned beet red under her scrutiny and looked away, pushing off the shoes I had on. " I did not get shagged." Oh but I did. Hard and fast. By....Xade. Melissa lets out a rush of disappointed air. " Really? But your hair looks a mess and you're spotting a red flush. Even your skin looks sweaty. I know when someone just got fucked V." I gulped, my hand instinctively going to my hair to fix whatever was a mess. " It's very windy outside." I half lied, going to the closet so I can change. I am tempted to go to have a shower, but I feel so tired I just want to sleep. " Uh huh," Melissa didn't believe me and I don't blame her. I didn't sound convincing at all. Guilt bit through me and I am thankful she doesn't question me further. After I put on the huge shirt that covered my small figure to my knees, I made my way to my bed and sank in the sheets. Mel puts off the lights and I turn on my back, my palm lying flat on my stomach as I stared at the dark ceiling. I didn't like this feeling of guilt but I didn't like the feeling of craving for more either. I sighed, forcing my eyes closed and wishing I could just forget the night but knew that it was impossible. __ The next morning I am grateful I do not have classes until later today. I can sleep in for a little longer and try to heal my aches naturally with more sleep. I hadn't caught a wink of sleep last night and had tossed and turned. Even Mel got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Xade and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. " You lucky bitch," Mel say as she leaned forward to put on her canvas shoes. She lift her head, her braids falling over her face. " No morning classes. What I would do to be you right now." Trust me Mel, you'd not want to be right now. But instead of speaking my thoughts, I only sent her a smile and tugged the covers to my chin. " I get to sleep in longer, enjoy your lecture." I closed my eyes, forcing out a fake yawn. " Hey, we're still up for afternoon brunch with the guys right?" My eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I had completely forgotten that we had set up a kind of double date with the guys at the diner where I worked at. I swallowed. Xade will be there...and Kyan and Melissa. Fuck my life. " Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. " Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since last night?" she questioned, straightening her spine. I shook my head. " I am fine, just may have caught a little draft because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. " But you know how busy Xade gets around this time," she pouted. " He barely makes time for me." I wanted to point out to her that Xade and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Xade didn't do relationships, however, he and Mel have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl before. Things may be getting serious and I hope I haven't ruined it. " Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. " Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. " I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder and I replied back. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shooting right through my soul instantly. " Xade?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and wincing at the movement. His eyes flicker to my thighs and I instantly flushed as I am now reminded again of what happened. So much for pretending nothing happened between us. I suck at this. Melissa let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close by I was sure cringed. However, I don't cringe, only sink my teeth in my bottom lip as my heart feels like it has just been ripped out of my chest.		IReader		106540	https://www.facebook.com/IReader.story/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731603	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:34 AM	1740993487	1749486846		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059427.html?language=en&timestamp=1740738013210&channelCode=DLLPF1059427&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3347401652654E+14	DramaBox-Movies and drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481299563_1113232797159080_7219872300334364137_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Roc8lT32PQkQ7kNvgFdSOa2&_nc_oc=AdgIs-y7-obfOLxIpbuLbxq6DLHGbx_4WiidF4gRd4zMXP67uz7BL0gyxqFsHhik4TJpkjf4WUbV8_LJWxeR4zAk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBs-ABtp4zbCEaamqLkA39auUK8PmunaniiwpkvnVqouQ&oe=67CB314D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox-Movies and drama		715040	https://www.facebook.com/61554338662625/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732318	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 2:37 PM	1740993502	1749497839		2747																										d1training.com	Get offer			IMAGE	FREE VIP WORKOUT	15 Spots Available	http://www.D1Training.com/			1.0244841497963E+14	D1 Training Madison West	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481970647_4038902139680192_7434625121355748209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=baU4mnikfDIQ7kNvgGVxNeH&_nc_oc=Adha-I8A20DMTv-7bwf23C3OSCxrWPnvucUaSwBrFY-XHtVeHqKHywJkUWqw-72eMxWMrXw2kIPU6LWRO7Lvdyco&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYBUdQdn9WDC3iofw4g3ELyLl8YNgxxHxlCjAhvBo7Js8A&oe=67CB57EA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		⭐️HEY MEN IN THE MADISON AREA👇 Have you heard about D1 Training in Madison?! We understand starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, but we're here to support you every step of the way. That's why we're offering 15 Men a FREE VIP WORKOUT❗️ D1 Training provides men with customized programming to help achieve your fitness goals. Our 5-Star⭐️ Training Program is based on a Division 1 strength & conditioning program and includes a dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core & conditioning, and a cool-down stretch. We get it – stepping into a new fitness environment can be intimidating. That's why every workout at D1 Training is led by a certified coach who offers guidance and motivation, creating a supportive atmosphere to help ease any nerves. Our state-of-the-art facility features the same multilayered synthetic turf and top-of-the-line equipment used by top universities and professional athletes🤩 At D1 Training, we're more than just a gym; we're a community. We're dedicated to providing a proven, professional, positive, and peer-supported environment. Click ‘Get Offer’ now and enter your information on the next page to secure your spot for a 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 VIP Workout! P.s. We have 15 spots available, first come first serve. Don't let nerves hold you back – take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!		D1 Training Madison West		1164	https://www.facebook.com/D1MadisonWest/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731917	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:51 AM	1740993494	1749487889		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481466823_1102812414864512_257660867814846628_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qp68Wa4EcdwQ7kNvgGUoxEa&_nc_oc=AdiQjoQxkjVy4tU60I6ihPkPNOCZdPWFvo-TIwT7iGOT3-1mSBToSNX4V0OKlW47VjS4J2rqD16GPR7p7jR6zgbw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYDhPpUafz8TyP8hOoVp5tZr8_OlQ7Z2liDoIIZy4hhBZQ&oe=67CB53B3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731971	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 2:06 PM	1740993495	1749495989		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764A1975BF70140ECEFA4C332BE557B1D65A			4.3522515300228E+14	Short-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481071436_618269460845108_7310651097087399678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oHA8N6mO7ZYQ7kNvgGNfKoF&_nc_oc=AdimsXQ6BCubyWtl8v6mNuesLnoVqbSs5HiSgodqB5T9FDyLpzxijcDQphbwprKllGqE1jPVeCFcjEY7YwPQhEXE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYAnGsPJec4oMej1_8775Wi1Fa7rzpYO5yOKWIZxXHQlFw&oe=67CB5473	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Short-TV		141	https://www.facebook.com/61565133077097/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731420	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 3:53 PM	1740993483	1749502391		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E19C442FA8A092C680A008F2DCDF8B2B6E			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275783_1565347277509109_3755831779112891409_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FLd8HQR869EQ7kNvgHMIYFc&_nc_oc=AdhscgXM3ZEQ7FIlxjSrhqkbxNmv0Pg-REydFDlw3MZHxCKJhhk0ke-2Hxckg3TrgJGpvU8yakskRprrhq-nfBC9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCieppOYZZ_qLeWaNQBOR4_pe0HUCZSb-Gm2tTg_nu1XA&oe=67CB3151	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732270	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 4:08 PM	1740993501	1749503297		2747																											Send message			IMAGE						1.009858262678E+14	Jenna Huttula	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481355982_1352730699084476_2848717594649420570_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HXe-RGx3CnQQ7kNvgHDYsOF&_nc_oc=AdiFvXeYf5FN6unw1YMpkED11qdRO2ejJsnJ6fVWvYLgIlxu4C2ihPSJzPqVoQ1wtwZ8A7-MzeqwObTpdNBiOHaN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYDlRJG8tEc1BwBL0-UD4qsZo6Yi7Jkl0a6-8rdYNgtUTA&oe=67CB2AD2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Electrolytes 101: Why You Need Them! ⚡💧 🌿 What Are Electrolytes? Minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium & calcium that keep your body balanced! 💦 Why Do They Matter? • Keep you hydrated 💧 • Support muscle function 💪 • Regulate nerve signals 🧠 • Maintain energy levels ⚡ 🥤 Signs You Need More Electrolytes: • Fatigue 😴 • Muscle cramps 🤕 • Dizziness 😵 • Headaches 🤯 🍌 Best Natural Sources: • Coconut water 🥥 • Bananas 🍌 • Leafy greens 🥬 • Avocados 🥑 • Himalayan salt 🧂 ⚡ Easy Ways to Replenish: • Drink an electrolyte-rich beverage like the plexus hydrate ( not all electrolye dribka are made equal 😜😳 read your labels ) 💧 • Add a pinch of sea salt to your water 🧂 • Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods 🍽️ Stay hydrated, stay energized! 🚀 Grab your FREE MINI GUIDE HERE 🍉🥝💕🍉 https://www.canva.com/design/DAFdYmQVRRs/GQTRGDD1VtM430IeAQzLOw/edit?utm_content=DAFdYmQVRRs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton And dm about special promo for 25% off and free shipping!! Seriously love our stuffff and the kids do too ! #Electrolytesmadesimple #StayHydrated #ElevatedWellness		Jenna Huttula		2975	https://www.facebook.com/jenna.huttula/	0		MESSAGE_PAGE								View Edit Delete
2731637	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/21/25, 8:14 AM	1740993488	1747833272		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Watch more episodes👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057855.html?language=en&timestamp=1739262620902&channelCode=DLLPF1057855&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			2.4897603162939E+14	Maggie sharing	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482004657_3973543242926150_5819091580077160589_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=76Jyfnb6bm0Q7kNvgFTLy3b&_nc_oc=Adj7Kv6w5OoF1Jz-UKDETtmBMjO1BQTLtLveCJ_bol8IpHvJGVy2G8ThGo9r2_57PXwGNotF8vMJBrnFRPCt0EmU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYCTvL7_uKj1VvNBFFOmO_t3Q1p3MywZFz6pcYLzFX1ZnA&oe=67CB2A26	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		Maggie sharing		95801	https://www.facebook.com/61556715931577/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732122	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 3:43 AM	1740993499	1745829837		2747																										fb.me	Sign Up			DCO			http://fb.me/			1.0784929605215E+14	Health Restoration Inc.	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481003177_618701804293567_7335922703511023983_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ljdILp3wU1wQ7kNvgHRD9oM&_nc_oc=AdgBQugQYnvOT8mYAKY_7SCHbb3yhjsbQQf2Qf3e6Iv4RxpwavXUMHr3VrVk0OREVmcDT-XY9zQPIw33TwLxtgT4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANn06szBNeCMu535LGYo4Md&oh=00_AYBh_1J6YagFUPjWVj5ikMthb3H3D29kygkWUOaUkgSxuA&oe=67CB34EB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		(833) 303-0726 Call Now For A FREE Neuropathy Telephone Consultation		Health Restoration Inc.		147	https://www.facebook.com/healthrestorationinc/	0		SIGN_UP								View Edit Delete
2731646	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 7:01 PM	1740993488	1749513714		2747																										mysoothelab.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Soothe discomfort today | 60% off 👉	😊 75,000+ happy customers | 24/7 support	http://mysoothelab.com/sbm			1.0377071935262E+14	My Soothe Lab	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480931892_1309491333442126_7189129953490598305_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C7kNV_Hp-2UQ7kNvgGCuXeu&_nc_oc=AdgbBsb2ppNNiU3XNbIUEzxQIAROh047fxX-4Guwcc6xrxYHf74reqwU4mytqisyJga9OXQncKwQG0Z-mqU9p9RU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDb_Dx_2WtbC6a_9iYeh6m5Hn_gTaHcqvHuREcGceCRxA&oe=67CB25A7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"This is the ONLY device that relieved my back pain and sciatica. Just 15 minutes day from the comfort of my own home is all it took to feel significant relief!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Monica L. - USA ✅ Eliminate back pain & sciatica at home with the Soothe Massager. ❌ No pills & expensive medical bills. Shop now while it's on sale ➡️ mysoothelab.com/sbm		My Soothe Lab		835	https://www.facebook.com/mysoothelab/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732152	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 7:21 PM	1740993499	1749514887		2747																										portsmouthchiro.net	Learn more			IMAGE	$49 Spinal Decompression Treatment!	Book an appointment today.	https://www.portsmouthchiro.net/optin			1.1272891877724E+14	Quintessential Chiropractic	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467870995_1789080801630026_404189711964807154_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p9cM_7LcgMIQ7kNvgF_UCzf&_nc_oc=Adg445yCHOQatTNhDRHqTBmUwYyiqdhbF9uffmx2Yvk7pkfV56GXrG6wOm-f3FcITzpMuogkBPAW5AfSS3R9AQkz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYCElqKL23yAgTmLUO_jUtJGDwu4vX1s8jV0zVkYJyDrHA&oe=67CB3A4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hey Portsmouth! For the Next Week, We are Giving Away 50 Vouchers for a Full Spinal Decompression Treatment, a Detailed Nerve & Spinal Examination, a Health History Consultation, Digital X-Rays (if required) with a Report of Findings and a Personalized Adjustment Treatment Plan, all for just $49 Dollars! (Normally a $345 Total Value) Get one NOW by clicking the link below! Ready to take control and alleviate pain? Click below to sign up and claim a voucher now!⁣		Quintessential Chiropractic		575	https://www.facebook.com/portsmouthchiro/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731710	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 6:26 AM	1740993490	1749727580		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481053406_1173749254426626_8614414305997950437_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tjHVPEWKzwAQ7kNvgGp3rMG&_nc_oc=AdhrzaAczIqWh1RjLOb9cHIUzpxyoCLW87KUKeBFELM5PvZE_5aNrhrZg8nqrCjPecws2l7mDzIvNqsDKBbv8QmD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYCXl1Ut7MiuzDiBJukNvTMz910ViXTXxVmlnB69TQrQew&oe=67CB5A61	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336049	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732143	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 6:35 PM	1740993499	1749512109		2747																											Send message			IMAGE	The Happy Hippies					1.0017431609887E+14	The Happy Hippies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480762568_604963399112150_4478710345158897824_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KuPnhI7mihkQ7kNvgHdVda8&_nc_oc=AdjdzMO-NakUrU5y5shAHh0fDoGpCOiJwucux-npnS1KiQPO0NVEzHYDA_-0MG3MR6aToJt9Md1K8_9GBipq809W&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AKJvkjWKTv9aAdSVUUBzlx2&oh=00_AYCu9Eh3qPqWpLOGTjMFnwhvNcOERrKayTfxHCoBlBck9w&oe=67CB5728	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		This powerful mix kickstarts your day, providing the energy and mental clarity you need to thrive. By supporting brain and body health, you'll feel more relaxed and empowered to live life to the fullest. Simply add it to your favorite beverage, whether that's coffee, smoothies, or more.		The Happy Hippies		136	https://www.facebook.com/HappyHippieShop22/	0		MESSAGE_PAGE								View Edit Delete
2731585	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 4:36 AM	1740993487	1745832971		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉👉		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481490635_651764690637569_5906153005655646216_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=saO8reg2eI0Q7kNvgFN4ldB&_nc_oc=Adg1e1BkSy4MRgS_OcvJEPkMKUe5b-hO2HfWG_5qjMGrz9mZhsm8ZH_nFkXL5q-dOhyTgA5NRlxp4HoVm3phmpRj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYA4LZetNxGrCTo-KBxweU_kYZXOj-WLEQFSmsh5b83cuQ&oe=67CB31FA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731745	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 11:33 AM	1740993490	1746635630		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482139443_678052131221969_5230914857342989806_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BNa17n0mxsoQ7kNvgFcbRJO&_nc_oc=AdhVN-4zzofQzSkUrj24VsrPiOC_aYEStPcRnu8u5djI_Fce70d2py9h_X27HHZVPTh-Lq5QUZrADCFvk1r5xtMW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYDQHyOAvgBRcQbIXhQRSkc5QnQouzsB_eA4Y9oS_8pW2w&oe=67CB4927	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731511	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 9:21 PM	1740993485	1749522063		2747																										nervanora.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Take back your life and start living pain-free.		https://nervanora.com/pages/copy-of-nervanora?_ab=0&key=1740830676934&fbclid=fbclid			4.8054216848505E+14	Mag Serenity	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482125805_1748913639165736_5169227123296395786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5vNSOZODvv0Q7kNvgHnhTuf&_nc_oc=AdjlBo-9BhhBAAwiljSdX01Ffhf_eaJdc70JQbH0WxX4_nmPCBF77_DEZR3Xj3XxyUajUuc9Jx1ZpYFvRTzcU4nk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYBhc6bVjkYiFDCA6tfXQag5ABjOHakknzcyXWJ5ZlBs7A&oe=67CB4D6F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with neuropathy, pain, and sleepless nights?Struggling with burning, tingling, nerve pain, and sleepless nights? Whether your discomfort is due to diabetes, age, or underlying health conditions... nerve pain can disrupt your life and sleep. It's essential to find a solution before another night of pain and discomfort takes its toll... Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion harnesses the power of magnesium to offer relief from neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbances almost instantly. This special blend seeps deep into the skin, targeting the root cause of your nerve pain discomfort. Just a dab before bedtime is all it takes, and you can drift into a peaceful, deep sleep, free from nerve pain. Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion also comes with FREE Shipping & a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Experience pain relief and restful nights or get your money back, guaranteed. ✅ Alleviates nerve pain ✅ Natural magnesium blend for effective pain relief (no harsh chemicals) ✅ Endorsed & loved by those suffering from nerve pain across the country for its effectiveness		Mag Serenity		17	https://www.facebook.com/61571848267243/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731898	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 9:25 PM	1740993494	1749522350		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn more			VIDEO	🎁 LIMITED-TIME SALE 🎁		https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481081945_1770152113532484_1943975612122449370_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4pxM6gi3Nd8Q7kNvgFff-6z&_nc_oc=AdiDUYYIfu5c70Q9F8l4e-Vqx0Az-txfFjOIrekK7ffsYGRMW6Psat6YuWlBfwPl227k6RrqiQ4_QkxqiiEUxrLj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYBExa2fb4CQxUiM7l0ol3HR6Xpg13AhLYXhqdldMGrWvw&oe=67CB3B4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732039	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:44 PM	1740993497	1747010674		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919701523F3215E953B583878C7D17A41C17A			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481111554_665845932625773_1159545196230548337_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AXfMSH7Lj14Q7kNvgFmehdx&_nc_oc=AdgNjQNeWJYfarjOdYlh7ZZEL3F59ArVNuXNn497bUWdrv0o8i-9Ic87BntNr9me8r2sRurwSjAqdAYLViLjn3tl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYAD69RH-k-r2X-HeNDt9FnTsYpWbxMQZ8IorEEY2JMzsQ&oe=67CB5408	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731366	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:07 PM	1740993482	1749528454		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481170233_563657570025376_6512623556549228388_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K5xYLelNsSAQ7kNvgGytnWj&_nc_oc=AdiDKbRgleT-DTQclUUbA4uaEV8LdYUHsBdziTzSgKEy3PW3RZU9_gEZxgsNNaT4i5k8Et4dPxfLdFqz49TCrjNN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYDiZY7m8j3kwVQKMP3HRYmXPaLK8Fml24Hn1Irpo8MlYQ&oe=67CB309D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731632	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:34 AM	1740993488	1747028048		2747																										a.letsreadnovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvNDQzNzkwLzIwMjUwMjI4MTYxOTAxL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.9336549052626E+14	ForFun-120	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481084680_1151505359953504_7499682763745124283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LMr9KKNWkjcQ7kNvgEkglA4&_nc_oc=AdilNhEWYHQM8JGlw0sEy9cInbEcl6jLH0pCwwXQq-2dOUjAnfx8tGB2j4Hqt353yZ8f7ctMMyefMWeZCdpS7HrJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYD8NxbuUq4DMGRy4VSbMJS50Vo3fD7xjeH7drchNe0Kjg&oe=67CB2B9F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		His triplets were coming home. After 10 years of searching, 10 years of obsessing over little dead end clues, he finally had them back. "Hello I'm miss Jessie Moore, is this Rafael Romano." "Well Mr Romano I'm from social services in Ohio and I'm calling regarding Alexander, James and Skye" Rafael's permenant glare darkened "dont you dare" he was cut off though "I'm sorry sir but they were brought in a few days ago, a DNA test was done and it matches yours, would you like to take custody" "I swear if you're messing with me" Rafael practically growled. ____________ The siblings were given the all clear from the doctors, they had no life threatening injuries just severely bruised with extensive scars. A week past and once the police visited and took statements from the boys since Skye wasn't willing to talk to them, a social worker came in. "So your DNA was run through the system and we found some family in New York" she said excitedly. Alexander wasn't happy about this. "We are okay on our own" he spoke with no emotion. "You're still a minor kid" the police officer said. "Will they know about this abuse sir" James asked. "Yes" the officer said. "Please can you not tell them, we would like to be the ones to inform them, we don't trust easily and we want to make sure they are nice to us before we tell them our secrets, sir" James said quietly, hoping to get his way by showing emotion. "We don't have a choice I'm afraid, besides what are we suppose to say when they ask where you have been" the officer said sadly. "Please don't tell them, sir" Skye whispered with so much emotion it made the police officer a little emotional "they will want to know where you were" he said "Tell them were were in the foster system and their was a car accident so we ended up in the hospital " Alexander said. The police officer looked at the social worker who didn't know what to say. This was totally against protocol but the children were so afraid and especially Skye that they couldn't help agree. "I only mentioned to their father that they ended up in hospital. I thought it would be best to explain what had happened in person, it could work " the social worker said to the officer. "He will no doubt want hospital records though " the officer said still in doubt. "Not necessarily, by the time he wants them I'm sure they will be comfortable enough to have told them the truth. They have just been discharged so he won't have to sign any papers" "We could get into trouble " "Maybe but he said he would come pick them up as soon as possible " "Fine. We will not disclose this information but it would be wise to tell him when you feel ready too" the officer finally agreed. After that they were taken to the social workers office to wait for the arrival of their father. They had been given fresh clothes and allowed to shower at the hospital so they almost looked like normal kids. They even had their hair cut, it had been nerve wracking but it needed doing. The bruises on their face had almost dissapeared, the social worker had said she would tell him that they got it from the car accident. Earlier Rafael had been in the middle of torturing some fool who thought he could steal from them, when his phone rang. He cursed as he looked at the unknown caller. Usually he wouldn't anwser especially when he was torturing someone but this time he did. He wiped the blood splatter from his face with a towel and headed out of the room to take the call. "Hello who is this" he asked. "Hello I'm miss Jessie Moore, is this Rafael Romano" "Yes. What do you want" Rafael asked harshly, he wasn't happy that a woman he had never heard of was calling him. "Well Mr Romano I'm from social services in Ohio and I'm calling regarding Alexander, James and Skye" Rafael's permenant glare darkened "dont you dare" he was cut off though "I'm sorry sir but they were brought in a few days ago, a DNA test was done and it matches yours, would you like to take custody" "I swear if you're messing with me" Rafael practically growled. "No sir, they are currently in the hospital but should be out in a day or so" "Why are my children in a hospital" Rafael asked. "It would be best to speak in person. Would you like to take them in" "Yes. Send over the details and I will be there as soon as I can" he said then proceeded to give the social worker his personal email. That evening Rafael went home in a somewhat good mood. His triplets were coming home. After 10 years of searching, 10 years of obsessing over little dead end clues, he would finally have them back. Lorenzo was telling off Marco and Nico when Rafael entered the house. "What is going on" Rafael demanded. "These little shits decided it was a good idea to take my car out. It's scratched all the way along the side now...it will be coming out of your allowance" he explained, telling the two boys the last thing. "That was very reckless of you both. You will both loose driving privileges for a week" Rafael said knowing Lorenzo would fully handle it as it had been his car. Rafael couldn't care less about the car at this moment. "Lorenzo with me, you can deal with them later" Rafael said glaring at his sons. Lorenzo nodded also glaring at his brothers as he followed his father up to his office. "What is it father " Lorenzo asked once inside the office. "I had a phone call of a social worker today" he said taking a seat at his desk. He began turning on the computer to access his emails. "Did the boys joyride get them in trouble with the police involving social services " Lorenzo asked. "No, they found the triplets" Lorenzo was speechless when he heard this. He remembered everything about them, he had been 13 when they were born and 17 when they were taken. "Are you sure this is real" Lorenzo asked knowing the amount of people they had punished for telling them thought found the triplets or trying to pass themselves off as one. "A DNA test confirmed it. I'm flying out later on" "Very well. Would you like some company" Lorenzo asked. "Yes, I'll be getting Leo to make them some rooms up" "Okay where are they now" "Ohio I'll have their location exact when I get up the details. Go inform our pilot that we will be going to Ohio and send in your brothers" Lorenzo nodded and left. Not long after there was a knock and once Rafael said enter, the others walked in. "What's up father " Leo asked, being summoned was never a good thing especially since he had been summoned to the office with his idiot brothers. "The triplets have been found and I will be going to collect them soon. Yes it is them, a DNA test has been done and I've just received a copy of the results through an email" Rafael announced. "Why do they have to come back. It's been 10 years, send them to an orphanage" Marco snapped. Rafael was furious. He was about to speak his mind when Leo spoke "how dare you, we ought to send you to an orphanage simply for your lack of respect. I suggest you apologize for your comment. Right now" he said, his tone was calm but it had an undertone which promised nothing good. "I'm waiting Marco. I suggest an apology before you really do cause me to loose my temper " Rafael spoke. "Ugh fine I'm sorry" Marco said not wanting to anger his father. "I wonder what their favourite colours are. God I've got so much to do, I wonder if the mall is still open" Leonardo said voicing his thoughts. "What are you talking about Leo" Nico asked. "Their rooms of course, I need to get them ready" he paused and turned to his dad "I can do that right? Whilst you go get them" "Yes but hold off on customising them to much, they can do that themselves" he said. "got it" "Can I help" Nico said happy that his brothers and sister were coming back. He didn't remember much but he missed them. Rafael and Lorenzo walked into the social workers office. The only knowledge they had was that they had been in the hospital. They couldn't help but enjoy how everyone ran away in fear or stopped talking as they went down the corridors. They finally reached a reception. "I'm here for my kids" Rafael said to the receptionist. She gulped when she saw Rafael and Lorenzo. "Name?" She asked. "Rafael Romano" Rafael said. She typed away for a second and then nodded. "I have notified their Social worker of your arrival. She will be here shortly, can I get you anything whilst you wait" "We are fine" Rafael said. It only took a few minutes for Jessie Moore to come down. She gulped when she saw the men and she worried for the children. This probably wasn't the best option for them but they were family. "Good afternoon Mr Romano we spoke on the phone, I'm Jessie Moore, the children's social worker" she introduced herself. "You said they were in hospital, what happened" "They are okay Mr Romano, it was a car accident but the hospital released them and so if you follow me we can go meet them. I do have to warn you though that they are very nervous " Jessie proceeded to lead them to her office. She walked in first, she had told them before she left to get them that their father was here. "It seems your brother is here too. Anyway kids meet your father and brother" she told the kids and allowed Rafael and Lorenzo to enter. Alexander and James were sat with Skye in the middle of them, they both were extremely protective now they were meeting now people. Lorenzo analysed his siblings, an emotional expression on his face. Alexander saw what he was doing and did the same back. It took Lorenzo a little by suprised. Where did his carefree bubbley siblings go? "Hello children, I'm Rafael your father " Rafael introduced. It was still blunt but he managed to not sound so angry. "And you are?" Alexander asked looking at Lorenzo. "Lorenzo, your eldest brother" Lorenzo said with no emotion. "You have all grown up so much, can you introduce yourselves" Rafael asked, still being rather blunt but Lorenzo was a little suprised as this was considered 'kind' for his father. James looked at Alexander who glared at the two men. "What kind of father doesn't know his own children's names" Alexander finally said. Lorenzo wasn't happy with the disrespect but said nothing because the social worker was still in the room. "I do know your names, judging by your attitude, you are the eldest, Alexander, which makes you James. And you Skye" he said turning to each sibling as he said their names. Lorenzo was silently happy Alexander had been put in his place. "Why don't we get started on the paperwork. Of course I am aware you live in New York so this case will be transferred over and a house meeting will be scheduled in the next month or so. It's nothing to worry about, we just need to check on the kids for their own welfare" Jessie explain. "Very well" Rafael said. Jessie smiled and grabbed the paper work from her desk drawer. Rafael was busy looking through it and signing it, with Jessie explaining stuff that he wasn't paying attention to his children. Lorenzo and Alexander were still glaring at each other. Lorenzo finally had enough and sat down besides Alexander. He whispered lowly "I suggest you cut out the nonsense. We don't accept this behaviour, it's rude and disrespectful" he warned. Alexander gulped. He automatically went into protective mode and turned his body to face Lorenzo meaning his body was also sheilding his siblings. "I suggest you bare that in mind. The only reason I am going to look past this is because the social worker is here, next time I won't be so nice" he continued before getting up like nothing had happened. "Right we are all set. Thank you for contacting me" Rafael said as he and Jessie said goodbye. He then turned to his kids "lets go" Rafael was a little taken back again when he watched, Alexander made sure he had hold of his siblings hands as they followed him out. He presumed it was out of instinct to protect James and Skye from them, they were practically strangers to the siblings. The car ride was silent. James was lost in thought whilst, Skye laid her head on Alexander's shoulder as he stroked her hair. "You can sleep if you're tired Skye" Rafael said looking in the mirror as he checked on his kids, he noticed Skye looking extremely tired. Skye didn't know how to anwser so she looked up at Alexander in hopes he would do it. "She will sleep when she's ready" Rafael nodded "very well, I suppose it is best for her to stay awake another half hour whilst we get to the plane" he said. Lorenzo looked up from his phone and looked back at the siblings. Skye in particular looked terrible, she looked as though she would pass out any second. His focus then solely went to James who was looking out the window lost in thought. And then to Alexander, the boy was clearly very protective and got a bit too defensive at times. It was annoying really. Alexander and James were quick to note their family was rich when they finally boarded the plane but Skye seemed to out of it to acknowledge how rich they were. Despite being in the hospital she had only slept a little due to passing out from exhaustion. That was 5 days ago. She would pretend to sleep at night so they didn't sedate her. "She needs sleep" Lorenzo stated as he watched how Alexander and James helped her to her seat. Without them she would probably have collapsed. On the way to her seat, Skye tripped and due to how malnorished Alexander was he wasn't able to stay standing when she fell into him. Knocking them both over. Lorenzo smirked when he saw. James automatically tried to help but Lorenzo simply rolled his eyes and walked back over. Rafael had purposely not gone over, instead he had nudged Lorenzo to go because he saw Lorenzo wasn't pleased with them. He wanted to get Lorenzo talking to them. "Clearly you are all too incompetent to even find a seat. You two go sit" he said the last part to the two boys. They refused without Skye but he sent them a deadly glare "now" he ordered. Skye nodded at them to go, not wanting them to get hurt because of her. They reluctantly took the closest seat, both ready to get up again if he did something to her. Lorenzo felt them staring at him but ignored it and helped Skye up "as soon as we get in the air you're going to go have a nap" he told her as she stumbled. She shook her head fast. She couldn't sleep, especially on a plane with two strangers. There was no where to run. Nowhere to hide. "It's non negotiable, you can't even walk you're that tired" She tried to walk to prove him wrong but she was too tired and everything went dizzy. She almost fell again. Lorenzo sighed and picked her up. Alexander was quick to react, but before he could say or do anything, Lorenzo had placed her back down, this time in the seat next to Alexander. "When did you last sleep" Rafael asked. Skye looked to Alexander. "Skye isn't a fan of hospitals so it's effected her sleeping whilst we have been there " Alexander calmly said so they couldn't see it was a lie. "Well that's understandable but Skye you need to try get a bit of sleep" Rafael said looking at his only daughter with concern. Something Lorenzo had only seen a few times. Alexander and James were worried about Skye, her sleeping habits were bad. "She's going to try" Alexander said looking at her in concern. "Very well" Once in the air and the seatbelt sign went off, Lorenzo got up and walked back to them. "What are you doing" Alexander asked instantly. Lorenzo rolled his eyes "we all just agreed she needs sleep. Come on Skye" he said. "No" Alexander said as Skye nervously undid her seatbelt. "Excuse me?" Lorenzo said not liking Alexander's behaviour. "I said no. You're not taking her from me" he said with panic. He couldn't let her get hurt. Lorenzo rolled his eyes and picked up Skye. She normally would have freaked out but at this point she couldn't concentrate and wasn't fully aware. She was exhausted and sitting down on the chair was probably the most comfiest thing she had sat on before and so it drained her further. Alexander and James jumped up and followed Lorenzo."give her back " Alexander said. "Let her go. Let her go Please just let her go" he was frantic by now. Rafael was quick to jump in "boys it's okay, you can go with him, he's only putting her in the bed. We have a bed for long night journeys. He's only going to put her there so she can sleep easier" he spoke, concerned at how they freaked out. Again he played it off as a stranger taking away their baby sister. James nodded but Alexander was quick to follow Lorenzo. He watched him carefully as he placed her down on the bed. By this point she had passed out as he had been carrying her. "You are protective I get it but don't you dare yell at me like that again " Lorenzo warned and left. Alexander let his walls falls, a tear ran down his face. Everything was a mess. "It's going to be okay isn't it" James whispered after entering the room. "I don't know. How could we let her reach the point of exhaustion" he said angry with himself that he hadn't taken care of her proper. "She's sleeping now though Alex" James replied. "Yes but I doubt we will be on the plane for long. We need her to sleep more" He replied. "Are we in trouble for how we just acted" James asked, he was scared to go back out. Alex thought for a minute."I don't know, why don't you take a nap too" he said fully planning on taking whatever punishment they give before they could get angry with James. "But what about you" James asked. "I'm fine" Alex replied. James usually would say no but he was tired and didn't want his sister waking up alone so he agreed. Alex waited until James was asleep which didn't take long, before quietly leaving. He rather stay and watch his siblings but he needed to get the punishment over with before they woke. Whilst all this was going on, Rafael and Lorenzo had been discussing what had just happened. Rafael had scolded Lorenzo for walking off without talking to Alexander. "I will not have him speak to me like that" Lorenzo said. "Well next time calmly explain where you're taking her. He's obviously very protective of his siblings, it's admirable really. You need to remember, they have no idea who we are, we are just strangers to them" "Fine" Alexander entered and took a seat. "Where's James" Rafael asked. "Taking a nap too" "That's good, maybe you should have a little nap as well" Rafael replied. Alexander looked at his father, suprised he hadn't lashed out yet but then it hit him. Rafael obviously wanted him to fall asleep so he could punish his brother and sister for how he acted. Not a chance would he let that happen. "Okay how about you ask us some questions. It's obvious you don't trust us which makes sense since you don't remember us so ask away" "Why do we not live with you" Alexander asked. It had been on his mind since he had been told they had a family Lorenzo and Rafael shared a look. Rafael didn't seem to be replying so Lorenzo anwsered "you were kidnapped when you were 4, from a birthday party one of your friends was having " Alex nodded. It made sense. Those people who had them were criminals, they had connections. But why kidnap three 4 year olds. It didn't make sense. "You say you're the eldest, how many of you is there" Alex asked. "Three more brothers, Leo, Marco and Nico" Lorenzo replied. Alexander managed to keep his emotionless expression up, inside he was freaking out though. Living with 5 other men. Would they make him do dope runs? Would they threaten James and Skye? They looked even more stronger than the men who hurt them, how bad would their hits hurt. What will they have him do? How bad will the punishments be? He was already making a plan to keep his siblings safe in his head. He wouldn't let them get hurt like that. He had been failing as a brother recently. He should have just said thank you for the bread and that man wouldn't have touched Skye like that. He would need to be extra careful, Lorenzo kept warning him about disrespect, just like they had done. He would need to try harder not to be disrespectful. And then a new worry, Skye would freak out. James would probably hide it but he'd be a mess too. He knew he couldn't leave them alone with 5 others in the house. "Do James and Skye speak" Rafael said finally snapping out from reliving the awful nightmare, the day his triplets were taken from him. "They do but they are shy" Alex half lied. Sure they were shy but they had been beaten to the point where they feared to speak. "So I presume this means you will be speaking for them" Rafael asked. "Most likely. I want to apologize for the disrespect I've shown you both so far. I'm just very protective of them and you guys dont seem like the warm and friendly type" Alex said getting in a small insult. "It's understandable and I will give you time to get used to us but then any disrespect will not be taken lightly but we will give you a few days to settle in" "A few days?" Alex asked suspicious of why they were given time."yes a few days. did you expect me to summon you to my office after we have eaten dinner to give you all the rules, perhaps about how you can only talk to us and no socialising with kids your age" Rafael said with sarcasm so heavy even Alex could tell he was being sarcastic. Alex didn't even expect dinner though so that confused hin. Alex realized he probably meant after he (Rafael) had finished eating. Of course he wasn't going to feed James, Skye or his self. He made a mental note that when given food to say thank you and be greatful. He wasn't going to make that mistake again. "Well you could give me the rules now, saves screwing up" Alex needed to know the rules or he would overthink every little thing however he knew they would add more rules just to have them break it so they can punish them. " Respect. We all, especially Lorenzo and I, expect you to respect us. That means no back talk, no insults, no cheek. In return we will treat you with just as much respect. Secondly we appreciate you are teenagers wanting to try new things but you are 14, no alcohol, dopes or smoking" Flashbacks of what they made him do were brought back at the mention of dopes. Maybe they wouldn't use him to deliver dopes if they were telling him no dopes. Or maybe they just don't want him getting high when he's suppose to be selling it. "Apparently you were home schooled, however the new school year starts in two weeks so we will be getting you enrolled there. I expect you to put in effort, if you do poorly its not the end of the world, we will get you a tutor, any slacking off though is no accepted, you will respect your teachers and peers." Alexander slowly nodded. They had never been to school. When they were younger they were taught basic things, they were able to catch on quick. But Alexander worried about his siblings, he not only had to protect them from their family but now a whole school. "That brings me on to my next rule, you befriend whoever you want just no relationships just yet, you are too young at the moment" Alexander nodded shuddering at the thought. He knew what guys were like, he would need to keep a careful watch on Skye. "And finally if we ask you to do something, you will do it" Rafael finished. He hadn't meant this in such a bad way but Alexander took it as a bad way. "What happens if we break the rules" Rafael knew Alex would probably have a hard time being respectful. "we will talk about it and why you broke the rule before we give out punishments. I have a feeling you will struggle to be respectful out of protectiveness for James and Skye which I will accept but if you don't have a valid reason that's when it becomes a problem" Alex nodded. He would try his best and would make sure his siblings knew. "I'm a busy man so most likely Lorenzo will deal with the punishments" Rafael said. Lorenzo looked up from his laptop. He had took to doing some work whilst they talked. He smirked when he heard the sentance "if you would like an example, Marco and Nico stole my car and got it scratched, they have now had their cars taken from them and they will be working at the garage in town for a month" Lorenzo said. Alexander didn't think that seemed too harsh. Maybe they wouldn't beat them up as punishment. What if the garage wasn't a car garage but a torture place they called a garage. Yes he was an overthinker. "Anyway we will give you a few day, go wake your siblings up we are landing" Rafael said ending the conversation.		ForFun-120		201	https://www.facebook.com/61554751622817/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731410	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:18 PM	1740993483	1749529124		2747																										infiniteage.com	Learn More			DCO	I Quit Dangerous Meds - Here's How 👉	100% Money-Back Guarantee	https://infiniteage.com/pages/bldprsr-a			1.0989629381594E+14	Infinite Age	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472144751_525676167297719_4974808326316182715_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WSMFX_GHJIkQ7kNvgFnuyuS&_nc_oc=Adg4bHFvFLDGSJN0bX3ZdJrF90ToiAFr3GTRTtIhb83d4CycTnYnIUSFwV67G1FfYKGs4xEnNcKFnk-lzHs6DB2q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDtBVabut-t-EE-qz5rM7apN60TIkYf_NqIRq_Ru91lww&oe=67CB465F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I stopped trusting meds not made for us (Black People) and found natural healing. Learn how you can do it too👇🏾		Infinite Age		45853	https://www.facebook.com/infiniteage/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731386	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:21 PM	1740993483	1749529303		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480627554_1568148414574641_8082850909366673907_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IMTlklVgWIIQ7kNvgEtuWgP&_nc_oc=AdgtN_RMqHN-FpXnyepxXhbTAytDuezyr2WyHZ1IxJdM0lEyUdLZCz9UHivLmm1k8C9h_YIEySL9O5IuVrYIp_T9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCs97WSkHqhBBAozu0qiNMrF2OuxOsb28W4qZJytiUYPw&oe=67CB5B08	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731931	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 10:37 PM	1740993495	1749526629		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/477808613_947686677429931_3810243085053918365_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aKHZzoLZpA0Q7kNvgHlDB7z&_nc_oc=AdgB3GzMpMD1IYF5Pati2Kgnx7U7pnPpFHcFLRsDFBRZKUe4Ia-THjKuLW_xMU3pFw6wm4NWvfvDzuqZ1vRTh_fM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYBVXJhLLyqZ4vEBbRqliFAAsn8Myke7NF8hTD-GmkrtEg&oe=67CB4802	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731798	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 8:31 PM	1740993492	1749173485		2747																										caninesuperfoods.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Superfood Complete: Nose to Tail Nutrition for a Healthier Dog		http://lnk.to/BadlandsSurvey			1.4643871203508E+14	Katherine Heigl	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480914841_539090221948511_4203855158378139398_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KcsbvidtQc0Q7kNvgHRpzcj&_nc_oc=AdgNcpJR9t5qQ-BVyRDkTqoU95EKLswxv4Z_UMu544AcKT5It0brOmkrXpg6p0aYdUb1RTPD2FPN-pg3nP5I_3jO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYB2IIlw59pb6G3BYCIaLsDL7t7tCJ_6lQi0y_vtm5DPTw&oe=67CB4AE5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🥚 Raw vs 🍳 cooked eggs—what’s better for your dog? Award-winning actress and dog lover Katherine Heigl has something to say about what your dog really needs in their diet. The truth might just lead to a happier, healthier pup! Take a look 👉 lnk.to/BadlandsSurvey		Katherine Heigl		4932749	https://www.facebook.com/KatieHeigl/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731555	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:27 AM	1740993486	1749533227		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480572190_1324169828626843_6902039711330945122_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kRlF2-B4or0Q7kNvgEx_GQk&_nc_oc=Adiv69zk70ADRFRf9o85ntfFvG4OojZo-YctoyY--QNtODtiTf6kESRKI4CFycDCXBp135aLcCK11xyYBBzXd2fw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYD6wBbqx0Dfvorug4GII8iSj_srkFbzuyIOEzuxPHF0vA&oe=67CB40DC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731414	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:29 AM	1740993483	1749533372		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E12F17472F7222639554D573319375FE63			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480840038_1626087564698449_7736786452685986901_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RQqStKsXruAQ7kNvgH1672w&_nc_oc=Adg9qzs8qGDXE7cRWbciRYvb-l33TJUZ2aJ37qtUE6KnAty_xIg3hIb7fGcOgSdBDzY934lhszF5AgrSYYkTHHWg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCXk4pd2hB-xfAdEsAbpdLQLqP8pPPvgCG5PaSUFFoNwg&oe=67CB3E47	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732197	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:48 AM	1740993500	1749534529		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481660878_1239878601086476_33126459958397899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5wwTQ4uzidoQ7kNvgGB_vm0&_nc_oc=AdhW2kOw8Hk4AauMisPvjiUEDWAYybfS5GiZ2g8ZXt-uDnGG03ASl-F7zc8hU1JgMMkRBeO8N18D9TTABssSRdui&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYC1vE2x3_7kc_BmxOnziCZL0SQpTh-WkJQeOFKFX49hQA&oe=67CB5D9E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731909	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:54 AM	1740993494	1749534874		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	❤️ 6 Books For 50% Off!	"The BEST sports romance series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-sports-bundle-by-piper-lawson			5.6789754640055E+14	Piper Lawson	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481197731_1542133256480783_3755259747154000625_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S0hwFH38p38Q7kNvgE_6lvu&_nc_oc=Adhl261P_6DbC7UTKIiKIJzNsqTcy6WiMGpwIWUhyb3jROid-ksp-6QYVydWp_we0WdZzmPqMnzPOSbb6dT1lmp_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYDmTdEFqTmUEFcLZHBlfmDVGMx1zbKOEY7TH2wugzUlsw&oe=67CB5E59	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I kiss him the way I want to, not the way I think I should. I reach up to thread my fingers through his hair and tug. When I exhale a trembling breath, his lips part. I change the angle and let out a little sigh that’s lost in his mouth before forcing myself to pull back. Clay’s half-lowered lids brush my cheeks. “What was that?” he murmurs. My heart hammers in my chest. I can’t meet his eyes. “I wanted to know what it would feel like if you kissed me.” He curses. I start to reach for my seatbelt, but his arms are a cage. He grabs my chin and forces my gaze up. His eyes are glittering gems in the dark. “That wasn’t it.” Before I can react, his mouth slams down on mine. He’s as rough as I was gentle. His lips and tongue wreak havoc with my mouth, exploring every inch of me. My pulse skyrockets as he tugs my earlobe between his teeth. My body throbs, every nerve ending coming alive under his touch. I can’t breathe. I don’t want to. I need more of this, of him. If he’s trying to scare me away, it’s not working. He strokes down my sides, one huge hand cupping my breast. My body swells, my nipples hardening and begging for his touch. I arch toward him, my hand slipping beneath his shirt to land on smooth, muscled abs. Clay groans his approval low in his throat, sending a delicious thrill coursing through me. His thumb presses against my hip. I reach around his waist, imagine the dark tattooed lines writhing beneath my — Click. The next second, his warmth is gone, and so is my seatbelt. He’s back on his side of the car, and the space between us is a chasm. “Don’t pout. I’m selfish enough to give you what you think you want.”		Piper Lawson		18	https://www.facebook.com/61572225267893/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732024	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/3/25, 8:45 AM	1740993497	1748958346		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE904C4A900735352493C16439F578C2690BB			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481199663_1964659477395597_3135418188623916194_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cmv_rf3xetcQ7kNvgGxYXDb&_nc_oc=AdiV64C05XOzePr5OqrQAFjlVy30bieT5cBV6Yy6fsPFJUozuL77G-O-ilxs6TwpykythlEi6jeNB-hr9muHPeCw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYD_gWBUlHkVfgocO56SHcjBBd-LFsC-9XMYxWfFCqGkvg&oe=67CB49F3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731785	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 4:08 PM	1740993491	1746997694		2747																										wellbiofit.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Target the real ROOT CAUSE of sciatic nerve pain...	According to top experts the #1 cause of low back pain & sciatica ISN’T bulging discs, the piriformis muscle, injuries, or a weak back or core…	https://wellbiofit.com/c/53/e0fd06f131f3783e?source={{site_source_name}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&placement={{placement}}			1.0534863504517E+14	Palono	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481772397_4070646103219059_4057641998533560586_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hQjDHVWQeZQQ7kNvgHIUxVl&_nc_oc=Adh31VwiVaHYztphHZ-sB44GViAXqCcZc2Vk222PR39O_x1SgvJmwus3pT30Y-w3s-AQiVnoZYSyjCCUqB3zIf54&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYCe4WJdGegwDw0Grau8rhjXRgG7ePyUVY7HHfb_GsSgbA&oe=67CB5115	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I was trapped in a cycle of back pain, unable to pick up my kids or work without agony. Pain seemed inevitable... until I stumbled upon tis sciatica relief method! Now, I'm living life on my own terms - no constant pain holding me back! Want to break free from sciatica too? Learn how →		Palono		0	https://www.facebook.com/100067492724038/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731364	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 6:49 AM	1740993482	1745840966		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480821871_916809390526437_8838614931710616834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tlB8WFs8sCIQ7kNvgGm_BFi&_nc_oc=AdhxFeja-VNgb2p3ziNI93Go7utYfKTgdxPAiinWfsaYgc7l-NvOU46VINCNhVpVc9EXGOaSjbXRmiYh7LcNecoT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAH-zE_d_xkyDZOHC2D5qoClglpF_CwMBQ1n2ta0rFbNg&oe=67CB33A3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731371	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 7:08 AM	1740993482	1745842126		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481355701_1195906725867819_2718673137211308594_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r_xfGWALDTIQ7kNvgEdVKTf&_nc_oc=Adgw2CGAoePDU5Vl0tkLtqN_HQiwMsMs5oU5GHhLmiWqheXOkA__KHfKS3KWbKrP0xdYFCr_1KEo8d2cFpigiN_T&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCB9l-HZVfUTpBFjNrAknGYOXj9G5EfEiKc0tzaOw7jpQ&oe=67CB3510	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732153	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 3:21 PM	1740993499	1746649270		2747																										portsmouthchiro.net	Learn more			IMAGE	$49 Spinal Decompression Treatment!	Book an appointment today.	https://www.portsmouthchiro.net/optin			1.1272891877724E+14	Quintessential Chiropractic	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467463981_491574687244824_7290542494019746582_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S3Rf9aWmFFYQ7kNvgF59uHW&_nc_oc=AdhwrVQwWPSqD-pSqM6pvfUjC3DexXD8vpc2RABSU0PydvoBpliXPv8y_frON6UI7Cut7d2oUGjc7eatDdYf_2pi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYDw-7kXqEo2mH6UVFrj4cw8VCs4RDliCNrSlef0xi8X3w&oe=67CB4222	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hey Portsmouth! For the Next Week, We are Giving Away 50 Vouchers for a Full Spinal Decompression Treatment, a Detailed Nerve & Spinal Examination, a Health History Consultation, Digital X-Rays (if required) with a Report of Findings and a Personalized Adjustment Treatment Plan, all for just $49 Dollars! (Normally a $345 Total Value) Get one NOW by clicking the link below! Ready to take control and alleviate pain? Click below to sign up and claim a voucher now!⁣		Quintessential Chiropractic		575	https://www.facebook.com/portsmouthchiro/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731667	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 5:42 PM	1740993489	1746657724		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481243226_1003522875003856_4975738089447947260_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e4o5xgOrcK8Q7kNvgFRUVcE&_nc_oc=Adjig50JlOaz_2owQLuMxO0ApLr89UfP3y5qvYyIgDyZuyzo5gaQ6-QxzcUNU6Ud6w_M8pZLC8dEkr-EtyLxbIsQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYC-ikEBhftSD4p91yy4nvrhNrahm4E8axRZK1_9jKGYcw&oe=67CB3E45	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731853	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 4:21 PM	1740993493	1746998501		2747																										fb.lovenovelshort.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥Click to Read	More chapters	https://fb.lovenovelshort.com/book/loading/page/novelshortnew/pageCode/12-181541212354?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}			4.1091837876134E+14	Novel Short	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261266_1000315238645935_2818187296664942869_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OD-1UCjzoZYQ7kNvgHScggf&_nc_oc=Adh7AUCIWNDhCvqMRxvUDPyjAAQmitqHHOsmr0xyPMHIyCuD8FvBJW0d20xwTS6iUX4dPzkv_ZxKasFqqCjnC0ni&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AHjGLMgphR4hdkvsxaeUxCg&oh=00_AYC5j-cpkThryI4IVm3WCJ_idcxD7R6jAJI88puVXda_sA&oe=67CB437C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“No, cease all operations. It seems I will be back sooner than we had planned,” I spoke into the phone as I bit down hard on my lips trying not to show weakness. The moment I hung up, I released a shaky breath as I stared at the gift bag in my hands. My eyes watered and I let out a scoff. “Seven years of dedication and this is the thanks I get,” I muttered, staring at the box. I was staring at the contents of a small gift box I had found inside my husband’s jacket. Seven years of marriage and my husband had never given me anything, he’d say I was vain when I requested something. But here is a customized diamond bracelet worth ten thousand dollars. He's gotten it for his secretary, Hailey. The words engraved on the body of the bracelet made my heart shatter into a million pieces. My love forever and always, from Tony to Hailey. The bedroom door creaked open as my husband, Tony, stepped inside with a frown on his face. “What’s taking you so long to get my jacket, Ciara?” he asked when he came inside. “This,” I answered, shoving the gift box in his hands. His face crumpled a bit and he sighed, “Hailey’s boyfriend broke up with her and she's been sad so I decided to get her this gift to cheer her up.” I chuckled, at the fact that he was lying straight to my face. He had a lot of nerve, it’s been two years since Hailey entered our lives as his secretary and since then our marriage has never been the same. Tony had stopped sleeping at home for several days since then and he’d come back only when it was necessary. I had long suspected he was cheating on me with Hailey but I've never caught them in the act. Maybe because I was too busy running my husband’s business in the shadows while he thought it was his hard work that brought him success. “Listen, Ciara, it’s not a big deal. Hailey works for me and I can decide to gift her or give her a bonus to buy things for herself so she can be efficient in her work,” Tony added when I didn't say anything. I nodded, “Does it include using the lines from our wedding vow?” Tony seemed tongue-tied for a moment before he recovered, “Why are you questioning me, Ciara? Don't you trust me? I told them to engrave her ex-boyfriend’s name with the words but they made a mistake and put my name instead since I paid for it.” I laughed, “Yes, Tony, keep talking to me like I’m a toddler. You can gift your secretary but not your wife.” As expected, Tony exploded and got defensive, “How dare you? I’ve been working and taking care of you all these years while you stayed home doing nothing and yet you're still an ungrateful woman!” With those words he stormed out of the bedroom, taking the gift box with him. I didn't bother dwelling on his words as I needed to prepare for the burial we were supposed to attend together but now he's gone. One of his colleagues and work friends had passed away in a fatal accident. I was a bit close to the late man’s wife so I wanted to show my support. I opened the wardrobe and got dressed in my black simple dress then I went outside only to find out Tony had left with the limousine. I grabbed his car keys and took his black sedan instead. As I opened the glove compartment, a box stumbled to the floor. I frowned, how many gifts did he get her? I opened the box and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nostrils. I was familiar with this scent, it was a perfume that my husband always came back home with. When I asked he said he meets a lot of people every day so it’s normal for their perfume to rub off on him. There was red sexy lingerie inside with a note that read: to remind you of our explosive night yesterday. My hands shook as I clenched the note. Yesterday, Tony hadn't returned home until early this morning. He went out with this car and claimed that he worked late with Hailey and he had to drop her off because there wasn't any cab available. I scoffed and chucked the box beside the passenger’s seat as I drove toward his office. I've been patient for two years listening to his lies and being treated like a gullible teenager but no more, I deserve an explanation. It’s the least he could give me after seven years of our life together. I pulled up in front of his office and entered inside, my eyes scanning every employee but Hailey was nowhere to be found. I took the elevators to the top floor and went to Tony’s office. As I opened the door I saw Hailey doing a video as she displayed her bracelet and said, “Hey everyone, see what my rich boyfriend got for me.” Chapter 2 Ciara’s Pov “Your rich boyfriend, huh?” I asked. Hailey looked shocked to see me as she stood up and turned off her phone, pasting a fake smile on her face. “Hello, Mrs. Reeds, what are you doing here?” she asked nervously. I scoffed, “This is my husband’s office, I should be asking you that.” “Uh… he's at a meeting. Please don't tell him I was sitting here,” she pleaded. “Stop playing games with me, Hailey, I know you're dating my husband,” I snapped, tossing the lingerie toward her. The vulnerable facade she had earlier slipped from her face as a coy smile formed on her lips. “Oops,” she giggled as she picked up the lingerie, “Busted.” I was surprised by her nonchalant attitude, “Aren’t you ashamed that you're sleeping with my husband?” She flashed her bracelet at me and shrugged, “Nope, why should I be? You're the one who should be ashamed he's cheating on you.” I reacted before I could think and my palm landed across her cheeks as I stared at her harshly. “You vile creature, you will regret ever speaking to me in that tone,” I threatened. Hailey’s eyes flashed with hatred as she glared at me, “No, Ciara, you're the one who would regret laying your filthy hands on me.” I was surprised to see that there was no remorse in her eyes when suddenly she threw herself to the floor and clutched her cheeks as she cried out in pain. “No, Mrs. Reeds, please, I’m sorry. I didn't ask for this, you're misunderstanding,” she cried. I scoffed, oblivious to her schemes, “Okay, now you're asking for mercy?” It was when I saw the small coy smile playing on her lips that I realized it was all an act. Just then the door opened and Tony burst into the office, his face filled with fury. “What nonsense is this?” he yelled at me, “Why are you here, Ciara?” I scoffed as I watched him help Hailey stand up. He checked her cheeks that had my palm print on them. “What? Here to defend your mistress?” I hissed at him. “I’m sorry, sir, your wife seems to be misunderstanding the gift you got me. Please, don't blame her, it’s not her fault,” Hailey said pitifully. “Wow, you deserve an Oscar!” I snapped at her. “Get out!” Tony said to me. I was momentarily shocked as I stared at him my eyes widening in surprise. “Wh…what?” I stuttered. “Get out of my office, Ciara, and never come to my workplace to create such a scene,” he snapped. “But I saw her —” My words were cut short when I felt a sharp sting across my face only to realize Tony had just slapped me. “I am your husband and you will obey me. GET OUT!” he yelled. I touched my cheeks as my eyes stung with tears while Hailey gave me a smug smile as I stumbled out of his office, my body frozen with shock. Tony, who had never let me get hurt before, had just slapped me for another woman. The realization was like a bitter pill to swallow as I drove to the cemetery where the burial was supposed to be held. I tried not to think of the incident and focus on comforting the man’s wife but it became worse when Tony arrived with Hailey and they stood beside me trying to mirror the image of a perfect couple with me as their secretary. Just as the service was concluded and the coffin was lowered into the ground, the woman burst into tears. I was certain she was mourning a love that had ended abruptly. Even though my husband wasn't dead I knew how she felt because, for the past two years, it felt like my husband was dead. That was when we heard the screeching of tires as about ten SUVs surrounded the cemetery. Before I knew it the sound of gunshots filled the air as people screamed and scrambled away while I watched as Tony dived down with Hailey shielding her with his body and I stood frozen with shock. There was danger and my husband instead of protecting me had left me for the wolves while he protected his mistress. “Get down!” an unfamiliar voice yelled. The words barely registered before I felt a sharp pain as someone tackled me to the ground and I lost track of time as my eyes suddenly grew heavy. “Stay with me!” I heard an unfamiliar voice but it sounded so distant. Then I slowly closed my eyes and gave in to the darkness. Chapter 3 Ciara’s Pov The incessant beeping of the machine was the first sound I heard when I opened my eyes followed by the bright lights hanging above me. I realized I was in the hospital as the memories of Tony shielding Hailey with his body flashed before my eyes. What had happened? I wondered as I felt a sharp pain close to my stomach. The door opened and a doctor came inside. She had a bright smile on her face. “Mrs. Reeds, I’m so glad you're awake,” she smiled. “What happened?” I asked, my throat dry. “You don't recall?” she asked, frowning. I shrugged, “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” The doctor helped me sit up as I let out a sharp groan, she smiled apologetically at me before propping me with a pillow. “You were shot, Mrs. Reeds,” she said, as I gulped down the water she gave me. My mind flashed to the gunshot and I frowned, I had thought it was a dream but that was the sad reality of my life. “In the course of performing surgery to remove the bullet we found out you were pregnant, we tried our best but you lost the baby,” the doctor added. The words rang in my ears as I sat feeling numb, staring at her while my hands subconsciously touched my lower belly. “I was pregnant?” I asked. The doctor nodded, “We are so sorry, Mrs. Reeds. If there's anything you need at all —” “When will I be discharged?” I asked, interrupting her. She blinked, “The nature of your injuries is severe, I don't recommend leaving the hospital soon.” “How fast can I be discharged?” I demanded, a bit forceful this time. The doctor swallowed cautiously, “We can keep you for observation, and if there's no bleeding you can leave tomorrow but you're not allowed to do any strenuous task.” I nodded, “Thank you, Doctor.” She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text message to an unsaved number on my phone just as I heard a light knock on the door. I raised my head and saw it was Tony, standing in the doorway with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry, I just panicked and I was closer to Hailey and you're older than her so I figured you'd know what to do, I didn't know you would keep standing till the bullet hit you,” Tony rambled in what seemed like an apology. I just gave him a blank look without batting an eye at him. “Say something, please,” he said, “The doctor told me about the baby too. I know we've been trying to get one for years. I'm sure you'll get pregnant again.” I scoffed, for two years Tony had never touched me until he came home one-night drunk as a skunk one month ago and we had. After that, he never touched me and that was how I got pregnant. I looked away from him and focused my attention on my phone which was now pinging with a series of text messages. “Mrs. Reeds, please forgive us.” The sound of Hailey’s mocking voice was like a slap to my face as I looked up and saw her hiding behind Tony, without a single bruise on her body while Tony had scratches on his arm and face from protecting her. Without thinking, I removed the IV and stood up ignoring the searing pain I felt below my abdomen. Tony, who knew me so well, saw the rage on my face as he tried to shield Hailey with his body. “Please, Ciara, she's just a kid don't be mad at her,” he pleaded, “Be mad at me instead —” The words were barely out of his lips when I slapped him, pushing him aside. Tony was so shocked he barely had time to stand up as I slapped Hailey twice and pushed her to the ground. Hailey cried and held her cheeks while Tony scrambled and ran toward her. “Ciara, are you mad? See what you've done to the innocent girl. She's not the one who sent shooters to the burial or made you keep standing like a fool while they were shooting,” Tony spat angrily. I stared at him and scoffed, “Both of you will regret this, I will make sure of it.” With my eyes blazing in anger, I walked out of the hospital. I barely made it to the car park when I realized my stitches had ripped and I was bleeding. “Damn it!” I groaned. I leaned heavily against a car when I saw two black SUVs heading toward me. The cars stopped before me as armed men stepped out of the car. One of the men stepped forward and bowed before handing me an envelope. “It's ready, Mistress,” he said. I opened the envelope and read the contents nodding as I hurriedly signed before giving it back to him. “Make sure he signs it,” I ordered. The man nodded as he led me to the car which drove off immediately. “Relax, Mistress, we’ll soon arrive at the private airstrip where we parked the jet,” the driver said. I nodded and relaxed even though my lower abdomen was hurting me. Just as we arrived and I was about to enter the jet, my phone rang. I glanced at it and saw it was Tony. “Ciara, what is this madness? Instead of you to apologize for what you've done to Hailey you hired goons to force me to sign a divorce certificate? Come here right now!” Tony spat angrily over the phone. “Go to hell and so help me God if you ever call my number again I’ll make you wish for death!” I threatened before I hung up and tossed my phone into the trash. I smoothed my dress as I walked into the helicopter. I will make Tony and Hailey regret their actions. They just wait!"		Novel Short		18526	https://www.facebook.com/61563664675187/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732189	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 1:52 AM	1740993500	1749538348		2747																										curcumin.manna.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Is Liposomal Curcumin the Ultimate Anti-Aging Weapon?		https://curcumin.manna.com/blog/c?cid=5&affid=569&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&fbc_id={{adset.id}}&h_ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.127013803598E+14	Manna Health	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481238101_3176539992523768_2675716470902626050_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h7PTLTkplhwQ7kNvgEpIKRO&_nc_oc=Adh6cOqp7nU03PgCSAso4fWs4A5UVQa8wicteBCZcLx-m6lE-qX0C_wtnAAOWxoAQJZdPCph4n_Q6PvMd0DPt6gz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYC45JooUZHud-TSGFVE2zkI3omRx6x_ggaDFq1miykcJA&oe=67CB286A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I used to suffer from joint pain and inflammation for over 15 years. I tried countless turmeric and curcumin pills—even with black pepper—but nothing worked until I discovered Manna’s Liquid Curcumin. It’s been a true game changer for me, and I’m finally able to ditch liver-damaging pills like Aleve and Advil. I simply mix just .7 tsp with a glass of water each morning, and within a week, I started to feel the difference. Plus, it tastes amazing! Here’s what I love about it: 🔥 Fights inflammation naturally 🧯 Eases joint and nerve pain ❤️ Trusted by over 150,000 users 🇺🇸 Made in the USA with professional care ✅ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee 🚚 FREE Shipping See results or your money back—no questions asked. Ready to experience relief? Get started HERE today! What’s your experience with curcumin?		Manna Health		124696	https://www.facebook.com/mannaboost/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731880	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 2:24 AM	1740993493	1749540263		2747																										dainelylab.com	Order now			IMAGE	Your Pain Ends Today...	Discover the Dainely Belt, your solution for severe sciatica pain relief and lower back pain relief. Our sciatica belt offers unparalleled support for the sciatic nerve, ensuring comfort and pain relief. Shop the best back support belt for lower back pain relief and sciatica.	https://dainelylab.com/products/back-belt			3.7124749941096E+14	Dainely	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482077941_1159468689094850_4157033405060144289_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hvA6s8ZGVPMQ7kNvgFIlVyb&_nc_oc=Adhv-Qi_4XRYr_-AMPzT_tP-cVXfxh3IzlLcr4diz-T1j12MxY7klP6jalcIAxcsO3Hx4a8gHXuEuMPnhG8r2bFC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYBXA2V3qhDqW9VBgCHDW7fIilktOuURDjQZBKc_AkwLXA&oe=67CB361D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		To everyone tired of lying to their doctor about 'doing their exercises': This 14-day solution changes everything" Listen up frustrated back pain sufferers. We all do it. Nod along at the doctor's office promising we'll do those exercises. Then life happens and those printouts collect dust on the fridge. Sound familiar? Truth is those "simple" stretches feel anything but simple when every movement feels like your back is staging a protest. And let's be honest those YouTube tutorials? About as helpful as a chocolate teapot. That's why over 120,000 people have switched to the doctor recommended Dainely Belt. No more empty promises. No more guilt. Just real relief in 14 days or your money back. 🌅 Wake up feeling refreshed (not like you've been sleeping on rocks) 🏃‍♀️ Move freely without the mental checklist of "safe" movements 💪 Get back to living instead of just managing pain ⭐ Finally tell your doctor the truth about those exercises Imagine your next doctor's visit. Instead of the awkward "Um yes I've been doing those stretches" moment you're actually excited to show off your progress. Ready to stop pretending and start living? Click below to try the Dainely Belt risk free.		Dainely		9633	https://www.facebook.com/dainely.products/	0		ORDER_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731579	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 7:44 AM	1740993487	1745844243		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481179644_616375274597702_1150443409164390985_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vry4OmBX3uEQ7kNvgEX3SvP&_nc_oc=AdhflpG4DwjrvnuZ0e4bzSOQYELnTbFlaKqKnBCcpOnFkMdLVABG0Ic0WvU2YPe4rGJLa2GUUR4xA299X7vFgFTu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYBI4T4jDvCFAyQZt9MXHshhh1P5yvBQTd7fxkIolEemKg&oe=67CB301E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731397	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 3:33 AM	1740993483	1749544412		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480579775_889651776465132_1017374454242638227_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FbuqiZkkfr0Q7kNvgHwLCXm&_nc_oc=AdjSWkpTM6t0bXqw86xtr7m2ScM1W_L-p2ROoFnDNbmJ-oGI38wdAc9V8L_-oxw5D8Q1aWGIPoUmyzOCjWSKdYKN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYAEWxaXi4O5bZHGJy06u6IrOMVcHKc5lbQsktZTtOb7Ng&oe=67CB3011	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731903	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 3:57 AM	1740993494	1749545861		2747																										clfblmvx.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉💖ONLY on GoodShort TV!		https://clfblmvx.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18303&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.3737794946036E+14	Ai Wenwen	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480921138_1350758962615102_1575549864561152643_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ARIKVBr5rtQQ7kNvgFe2Dxq&_nc_oc=Adhl6jeEF_jT5GpF3Oc8Vp8ySx2UxGDq_pevIWab1iPAgPf78jUh8LR9_31ISA7YHKDHEVk6S1SogSNjmyLJVd4N&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYCjiPuCmpLgXFqQZNq9tK4MeX5rwdz6knadhGEpapfPPQ&oe=67CB531C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🎄😱The once-comatose man, dismissed as weak and insignificant, seemingly a mere pushover, launched a stunning counterattack. He was revealed to be the benefactor of the ECBA Chairman and the Governor, as well as the CEO of the WIN Consortium… #goodshort		Ai Wenwen		24660	https://www.facebook.com/61556762124607/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731543	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 8:43 AM	1740993486	1745847799		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/energymatterschiropractic			1.0894311829881E+14	Energy Matters Chiropractic Care	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482254043_982638473499879_2349358535430925519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jPFyL7ZSxoIQ7kNvgHcHAVv&_nc_oc=Adh6x7O2yidhkAYT90ghEYe_GplK4DpIZjiP3tIgJXS6ctbIkXa8ru6SQ-jDmyTk0UI5fv05bU1dT7KI527432u8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYDdlTjYIVXtLqzc1sZN1tfbZb2u5B4laXo6h2ShmE_W0g&oe=67CB3F40	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Energy Matters Chiropractic Care		131	https://www.facebook.com/100075636465951/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732259	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 5:19 AM	1740993501	1749550755		2747																										read.americanhealthjournal.org	Learn more			IMAGE	Harvard Exposes: 5 Nerve-Damaging “Toxins” Causing Neuropathy in Seniors Across the U.S.	THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL AND NOT AN ACTUAL ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE.DISCLAIMERThis website is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Visitors are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualifi...	https://trk.skatrk02.com/67b42a69b88b44fbc273aff9?v1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&v2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&v3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&v4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&v5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&v6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&v7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&v8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&utm_source=MD-fb-nerve&utm_medium=paid			5.817074150231E+14	Mandy Rogers	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480923366_630970432863082_7888530270975360956_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QyDYdjyKvrMQ7kNvgHC9qa_&_nc_oc=AdgBGARUfUrmlLVurgwmlFfP7uc9v4MjiGavCFkcA4PrKZLJXgDm0vPGjdoadhYI6Qz1gKOxM1nFrsWi_6PL-18b&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMfw3qxBJshQQQ0gNU6bEPw&oh=00_AYAaDCHz80yKG01n6S24rdT0Xt2vYV_tjQM0eMqvI-D59w&oe=67CB418D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The burning Nerve Pain turned me into “that grandma” who sits in the corner at parties, until... I discovered what was actually causing it - now I'm leading our family dance circles every weekend, just like I did 40 years ago. "Grandma, why can't you dance with me anymore?" Little Emma's innocent question brought tears to my eyes that Sunday afternoon. The Burning in my feet was so intense, I could barely stand… Let alone dance with my precious granddaughter. It felt like I was Walking on Hot Coals... every single step pure agony. How do you explain to a 6-year-old that Grandma's feet feel like they're on fire? That the same feet that used to chase her around the yard, tend to my garden, and dance at family gatherings... were now betraying me? I smiled through the pain. "Just a little tired, sweetheart." But we both knew it wasn't that. The burning had started slowly – just a slight tingling at first. The kind you brush off, thinking it'll pass. Then came the numbness The thousands of needles The shooting pains Soon, I couldn't even walk to the mailbox without gripping my cane for dear life. But the worst moment? When I had to cancel hosting our weekly dinner because I couldn't stand long enough to cook anymore. The tone in my daughter's face when I called to cancel...that mixture of worry and pity... it broke something inside me. I tried everything the doctors recommended: Medications that left me feeling like a zombie The expensive creams that did nothing to help Even those special socks they said would help Nothing worked. The burning just kept getting worse. "This is just part of aging," they said. "You'll have to learn to live with it." But how do you "live with" feeling like your feet are being blow-torched every single day? How do you accept becoming a prisoner in your own home? Then one Sunday after church… I overheard my friend Martha talking about how Nerve Pain had nearly confined her to a wheelchair. I couldn't believe it – Martha, who now ran the church bake sale, who danced at her grandson's wedding last month… Had suffered from burning feet worse than mine? I cornered her after service, desperate for answers. "Oh honey," she said, seeing me lean heavily on my cane, "I know exactly what you're going through." What she told me next shocked me to my core... She explained how a neurologist had discovered that certain foods we eat every day were creating something called "toxic plaque" in our nerves. This plaque was literally suffocating our nerves from the inside out, causing that terrible burning sensation. "Karen," she said, lowering her voice, "Did you know that one of the most common breakfast foods is actually the worst culprit?" Then she told me about this weird “Pepper” Hack that was helping people flush out these nerve-destroying toxins. I was skeptical at first. After all, I'd tried eliminating everything from sugar to gluten... But Martha grabbed my hands and said something I'll never forget: "Before I learned about this, I was just like you - trapped in my rocking chair, missing out on life. Now look at me! The difference is understanding what's really happening to your nerves." That hit home hard. When she explained how this toxic plaque builds up over time, everything started making sense... Why the pain got progressively worse... Why normal treatments weren't working... Why doctors couldn't seem to help... So I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose? The first few days, I didn't notice much difference... But by the end of week one, something changed. I realized I'd made it through an entire day without reaching for my pain pills. Then I noticed I could feel the carpet under my feet again. By week three, the constant burning had reduced so much, I actually slept through the night for the first time in months. But the real miracle? Last weekend, when Emma ran up to me asking for our special dance... I was able to take her little hands and twirl her around the living room, without fear, without pain, and without my cane. The look of pure joy on her face – being able to dance with my granddaughter again – I couldn't hold back the tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. My husband says I'm like a different person now. My daughter can't believe the change. And me? I feel like I've gotten my life back. I can garden again. I can cook again. I can be the grandmother I want to be. I'm sharing this because I know there are others out there suffering like I was. Watching their independence slip away... Living in constant fear of every step... Missing precious moments with their family... If that's you, please know there's hope. I've shared a link below to article that explains everything. It's a short read, but it might just change your life like it changed mine. Don't let burning feet steal any more precious moments with your family. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Take Care and God Bless		Mandy Rogers		3085	https://www.facebook.com/61572661484060/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731733	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 9:57 AM	1740993490	1745852222		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481213239_1622553161688308_2114321392374349148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ojLHSDDQ_a4Q7kNvgG1J1Up&_nc_oc=AdjkgCcwFC8xoEILRp0xMovp5-ulVxNPdHQGMbg-dsE2O5pYo0ZOXfZCQRQujHu6KJIXZwVhWUUYKQxCTadlqcek&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYClmmPViaOPqwfYDwpJg13NqmTPiNQz635OdsWZ8ogSew&oe=67CB559E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732201	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 4:34 PM	1740993500	1746999241		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482214734_1313347073282239_7967645840095216572_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dkDh_ySTKx4Q7kNvgFnllC6&_nc_oc=AdjOIKCWkDgJYUJZ4upEf5boObYbnMCTm_iPwU7o7T9CLYUoo-SIK9htgCpN2_xF6jrbCgVxjoK_E863VIEP_NGG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYBOXF37xxLgGSzyE8-8hrtBfw7uhF1TcMrW8r9Qqb_wfg&oe=67CB2FA5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731739	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 8:56 PM	1740993490	1746669393		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480921133_1195934132091154_2071340282795439539_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lJ9cXMLKTgcQ7kNvgFvhRhZ&_nc_oc=AdgIWICFe00Sq9e7LHuYxIwf5UH64XYmPGkUdwHBkiDtjXwkBCuC9eL5HeZJEbHNhFRbnd52fiRlHzfadzo_-gtF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYBmZLFWiS54EtAIb_JLpaTtqfNhb8BhRUvg2ntwRhJQow&oe=67CB427B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732083	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 8:24 AM	1740993498	1749561897		2747																										www.D1Training.com	Get offer			VIDEO	FREE VIP WORKOUT	15 Spots Available	http://www.D1Training.com/			3.2052623114748E+14	D1 Training Tucson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480915807_578451538683345_4250583219218255428_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MqurmXk8vXcQ7kNvgH6rath&_nc_oc=Adg9w6ZiApkAz1QtjgzrTea7wSS4QuWsOhnR2upoTMkc5UldTtQCjVRIKWPvBByHTLJJZWw0xfUFAevLMZHbj71v&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYBzRAHDMxW8pNYV6nqiIc8cVwvY8N5nPqlU4QTs5sq3mA&oe=67CB49A2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		⭐️HEY MEN IN THE TUCSON AREA👇 Have you heard about D1 Training Tucson?! We understand starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, but we're here to support you every step of the way. That's why we're offering 15 Men a FREE VIP WORKOUT❗️ D1 Training provides men with customized programming to help achieve your fitness goals. Our 5-Star⭐️ Training Program is based on a Division 1 strength & conditioning program and includes a dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core & conditioning, and a cool-down stretch. We get it – stepping into a new fitness environment can be intimidating. That's why every workout at D1 Training is led by a certified coach who offers guidance and motivation, creating a supportive atmosphere to help ease any nerves. Our state-of-the-art facility features the same multilayered synthetic turf and top-of-the-line equipment used by top universities and professional athletes🤩 At D1 Training, we're more than just a gym; we're a community. We're dedicated to providing a proven, professional, positive, and peer-supported environment. Click ‘Get Offer’ now and enter your information on the next page to secure your spot for a 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 VIP Workout! P.s. We have 15 spots available, first come first serve. Don't let nerves hold you back – take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!		D1 Training Tucson		212	https://www.facebook.com/D1TrainingTucson/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731922	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:59 PM	1740993494	1746993569		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481660915_1857333865040999_6752968996354584665_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4bmqav2X2dkQ7kNvgEYR3SR&_nc_oc=AdiZ0jgoZd-0pNnHLpg2Fu0f29RIBEkumsW8sBmToSXGwRrF2Iuih9wBNUQKSo7pX_QQYwvRFcH_Qt9hQjIEKfap&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYB6Yg9kP6A5XNDGJQ1wWrVi-LJLfQgEFoSecvrMtEpweQ&oe=67CB4307	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731690	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 3:00 PM	1740993489	1746993603		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481458658_1854550078667197_182148639224617385_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=90AXSIOgYKMQ7kNvgFrgD6y&_nc_oc=AdgiRfVxfTsJAaf0Q5wvxhNDgz9qQlzMqksaafvYOdcQ-_DGPNfhyLVHzbs5vdljUGiOElKyBmhQf-aPKxo2NJcW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYDhyl82kcbBHpbIhnYJb-xQD1564X6mZ56D7anRxe8sGQ&oe=67CB27DD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731642	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 11:09 AM	1740993488	1749571745		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Click to get more great content!		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			4.3972496923122E+14	Hot Dramas	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481077709_1785109965378253_4755224120225481723_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Bl1ZQYnrIPsQ7kNvgH7KJ1J&_nc_oc=Adju8lFH5-EZiul6lIpcbX00bTtj4M44GphKdmN8y4C-wV4rCt-IfuWWXmT5Y1mAKMVv2Igq96pKMG8VbKGhcvm6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYB7-nm7RZ43_IsrJSTKE6KEposh736trBGm6UljrB06rw&oe=67CB4190	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Hot Dramas		562	https://www.facebook.com/61568451867405/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732277	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 9:57 AM	1740993502	1749567479		2747																										a.vampirefictions.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.vampirefictions.com/ad/ZmFudGFzeWxhbmQvNDQ0MzY5LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwODE0L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.636569768248E+14	Vam002	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481069528_645242221327531_8268733007333209338_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zs-FpnO48dcQ7kNvgH3Sifl&_nc_oc=AdgXWRGKpnScpg-SadLXtBCjwWDIp0W60p_uY_oVVjc-QOga7H4vNTNezwXCHTXNHO6MYGgUIq8h5TQlj6srFWK0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBFf29ilQzA5GYDdqdi8pK1qn037X0k26EbSK7yUE21Ig&oe=67CB5A48	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"She's not an ex or a bunny, is she?" "What? No. Cora and I went to school together. Her stepfather was my coach in high school. We were friends." "Just friends?" "Just friends. She's probably the only girl who's ever just been my friend. I've known her since kindergarten." Until she wasn't my friend anymore. Until I screwed it up. ____________ Cora The night is busier than usual, and I've run myself ragged trying to keep up in the ER. As a nurse, I don't normally work the ER, but I've had trauma training, and when three nurses called off, I came in. The overtime will be a nice bonus. I'm behind on my rent, and I hope this extra money will help me not only catch up on that, but on the other bills as well. "Cora!" I glance up from my charts to see Mrs. Hesh, my supervisor in the ER, hurrying toward me. She looks panicked. "What's wrong?" "We have several VIP patients coming in. I need your help." "Of course." I close the chart and put it back in the pile I still need to go through. "What do I need to know?" "Several of the hockey players from the Raptors got injured and are being rushed here. We need to make sure they're taken care of straight away and that the team and coaches are kept informed of their status. Can you do that?" "Shouldn't Shelia do that? She's the senior RN. I'm only filling in." Hockey players make me uneasy. Bad past experience. "I don't trust her not to ask them all for autographs. She's a total fangirl." My eyes widen. I didn't know Mrs. H. knew what that term even meant. "And I heard you say you knew hockey." "I do." "Good. I trust you not to lose your mind when confronted by the team." "No, ma'am, I won't." "You may need to wrangle some of the other nurses, too. I'll be busy with the patients." "They're not going to like it, especially the ones who have seniority over me." "Does that mean you can't do it?" The older woman turns and looks me dead in the eye, hers shrewd and assessing. But she can change my status here at the hospital. I'm not going to do anything to disappoint her. It says a lot she's trusting me with this. "I can do it." "Good." We both rush to the ER entrance, waiting for the ambulances to arrive. I pull my ponytail down and redo it, tucking the loose strands of my heavy blonde hair behind my ear. I learned during my first real rotation to always keep my hair up and out of the way. Otherwise, you could get run over in a packed ER because you can't see when your hair is swinging everywhere. It only takes a few moments for the first two ambulances to come screeching into the ER entrance, sirens blaring. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for two seconds then move forward, meeting the ambulance doors and waiting for them to open. The first player out is Jamison O'Brian. He has a nasty cut to the face, and his leg is propped up and held immobile by the board strapped to it. He looks rough, but not in danger. Dr. Billings waves him off with the nurse standing behind me. I don't remember the guy's name. I'm not down here enough to know everyone. The second ambulance holds a more serious injury. Myers is the name emblazoned on his jersey. His head is a bloody mess, as is his arm, a nasty looking gash that was most likely caused by a blade. That's going to keep him out for a couple of weeks at least, depending on any kind of nerve or muscle damage. He goes with Ava, the other nurse down here from my regular floor. Ava and I are friends, and we both frown at the seriousness of the injury. Ava is a huge hockey fan, but she can be trusted not to lose her mind over treating a player, which is why she's been called out to meet the ambulances. The last ambulance is the one Mrs. H. seems the most concerned with. As soon as the doors spring open and the EMTs start shouting stats, I get a good look at the unconscious man lying prone and bleeding on the stretcher. All the air rushes out of my lungs, and all I can do is stare. No. It can't be. He's in Florida. Not Minnesota. "Cora?" The sharp tone snaps me out of my funk. "Sorry. It's just I know him." "You know him?" We run after the stretcher. "I went to school with him." "Is this going to be a problem?" "No, ma'am. I was just shocked is all. I hadn't realized he'd been traded to the Raptors. I'm good." She nods and we get to work, me helping cut his clothes off, revealing the extent of his injuries. He has massive bruises on his abdomen, which might indicate internal bleeding. There's also a nasty cut along one thigh, and his shoulder is at an odd angle. The doctors twist it back into its socket while he's unconscious. I wince when they do, glad he's unconscious for that. Resetting a shoulder is extremely painful. As the doctors do that, we keep working, helping to clean away the mess so they can evaluate him. The bleeding is stopped, and then he's gone to CT to make sure there was no damage to the brain and to see if he has internal bleeding where the bruising is. I go to check on the next patient, who is currently complaining that he's fine and he doesn't need all the fuss. The doctor and the male nurse are disagreeing with him, but he just gets louder. They do not know how to deal with hockey players, apparently. Or they don't want to upset a VIP patient. Either way, the patient's care comes first, even when said patient is acting like a big baby. "Sit." My tone is sharp and commanding when he tries to get off the table. His brown eyes snap to mine, and I just arch a brow. "I'm fine." He stands up, daring me to say a word. He has no idea he's dealing with someone who grew up around hockey players. "You are not fine. Now, sit down before you fall down." The nurse and doctor look at me like I've grown two heads, but O'Brian sits, a scowl on his face. He might terrify everyone else with that look, but not me. "Don't give me that look. Your leg could be broken, and the more you stand on it, the more damage you'll be doing. Which means longer time off the ice. So stop being a whiney prick and let us take care of you so you can get back out there." "Fine," he mutters, and I shake my head. Hockey players. Mrs. H. stands to the side, a small smile on her face. "Cora, we need you in here, please." I peel my gloves off and don a new pair when I push into the room where Myers sits, growling at everyone. The nurses are all a little too giddy and not really doing their job. Sighing, I push through them, snapping for them to get to work or get out. The low chuckle from the bed catches my attention, and I arch that same brow. "That's a nasty cut, Mr. Myers." "I've had worse." Dark green eyes dance with mischief even with the twinge of pain in them. "I'm sure you have." Ava hustles over, looking exasperated. "Thanks for that. They weren't listening to me." "No problem." Between the two of us, we get him stripped and cleaned, working around the doctors and getting them what they need as well. Soon he's hustled off to x-ray, and Ava and I take a moment to catch our breath. "That was intense." "I forget how surly they can be when they're hurt." "Your stepfather was a high school coach, wasn't he?" I nod, not really paying attention. "So that's how you know so much about hockey." We both jump at the sound of Mrs. H.'s voice. "Sorry, we just needed a moment." "Understandable. Cora if you can go inform the team of what's going on, I'd appreciate it. They're camped out in the waiting room." "And being very loud, I take it?" Her lips twitch, and I know I'm right. Sighing, I push off the wall and take a glance at the charts before walking down the hall to the waiting room. I hear the noise before I even reach the doors. Loud isn't quite the word I'd use. Think of about thirty two-year-olds all screaming at the top of their lungs. That would be the most accurate picture of the noise coming from out there. No fewer than six nurses, male and female alike, are trying to talk above the noise. But honestly, they're not asking about injuries or informing the team about the patients. They're talking about the game. "Excuse me." I make myself louder than normal, but it's not doing a thing to get anyone attention. So I do the one thing I know will get through. I put fingers to my lips and let out a whistle so shrill it hurts the ears. Another thing left over from my high school days. A little trick my stepfather taught me. But it's effective, and every single bit of noise dies down. "Thank you. Now, where is the head coach?" He stands and walks forward. "I'm Coach Baptist." "All three of your players are being taken care of. O'Brian's in x-ray, and Myers and Chandler are upstairs in CT. They're checking for head trauma and internal bleeding. As soon as we know more, I'll come out and let you know." I turn my attention back to the nurses. "You lot have things to do other than stand around out here and gossip. Get back to work." "I outrank you." The snottiest of them grins. "Yes, but Mrs. H. put me in charge. Sure you want to tell her why you decided to pull that snarky little comment out of your a$s?" Her eyes widen, and she turns and marches back through the doors. Idiot. "Well, what are the rest of you waiting for?" They grumble but shuffle off. Which leaves the team to deal with. "Is there anyone else out here who needs medical attention?" A collective shake of heads is the only answer. "Now, I know you're all tired, and anxious to find out about your teammates, but this is a hospital. There are sick people here, and all this noise isn't helping." More grumbling. "I get it, guys, I do, but I swear if you don't settle down, you're going to deal with me, and trust me, ladder drills have nothing on my ire, so please do us all a favor and behave." "Ladder drills, huh?" one player asks. "You know hockey?" "Yes. Now, unless you guys need something, I'll be back when I have more to report." I turn around, and a wolf whistle follows me. It takes me two seconds to have the offender's ear in between my fingers. You'd be amazed at how quickly a man will come to heel with a little pressure on his earlobe. "Ow!" he screeches. "I'm not your honey, babe, or a bunny. I'm Nurse Stevens, and if you disrespect me again, I will have your balls. Understand?" "Yes, ma'am." I turn him loose and give them all a level stare. "Understand?" A chorus of "yes, ma'ams" follow me as I turn around and disappear behind the doors leadings back to the ER. Hockey players. Cora Has it really been only four hours since the worst shock of my life? But my trusty watch says it has. Thank God for all my training, or I might have run from the hospital and never come back. Shaw Chandler. Dear sweet baby Jesus. I never expected to see him again, especially not in Minnesota, of all places. He swore he never wanted to play where it was cold ever again. The southern states or the warmer ones on the west coast are where he wanted to play. It's why I felt so safe moving here. Even though hockey is king in this state the same way football is in Texas, I knew he'd never play here. But then, players don't dictate trades. He might not have been given a choice. And besides, it's not like he'd care I'm here, anyway. We haven't spoken in over four years. Shaking my head, I pull myself together and focus on the patient who needs the nausea meds. Poor man seems to have gotten food poisoning. He's thrown up three times since he got here twenty minutes ago. He's dehydrated, but the IV I put in with the fluids should start to help soon. "Here you go, Mr. Croom. This will ease the nausea." I hand him the tablets and small paper cup. He takes it and swallows the pills down. "God, I hope this stays down." Me too. He threw up on me earlier. Glancing at the clock, a sigh escapes when I see my shift is over. I can go home and forget I saw Shaw Chandler. But the pale stillness of him when he came in worries me. Shaw was my best friend all throughout school, and as much as he hurt me, part of me still worries about him. I always will. "I'm getting ready to leave, Mr. Croom, but Amber will be the charge nurse on duty. She should be by in just a few minutes. Is there anything you need before I go?" He shakes his head miserably, and I smile encouragingly at him. Food poisoning is one of the worst things in the world. "Hey, Cora." Amber shoots me a smile when I walk over to the nurses' station to clock out on the computer. "Watch that one. He's got food poisoning and has already thrown up on me." "Ouch." I wrinkle my nose. I smell like vomit, but at least I have on clean scrubs. I learned early on to keep several extra sets on hand. I give her the rundown on the rest of the patients as I gather my things. "I heard about the hockey mess that came in." "Yeah. Two serious injuries and one very loud, very vocal team." "We've had them in a few times over the years. Takes some wrangling." "I handled it." "I knew you could." She waves me off as I walk around the station. "See you tomorrow!" No, she won't, but I don't bother mentioning that. Amber is one of the nicest people in this place, and I try not to let my snarky nature disrupt her bubbly attitude. It's not until I'm in the elevator stepping off onto the floor where Shaw is that I realize I've even done it. I shouldn't be here. I know it, but I'm worried. He looked so pale. Groaning at my own gluttony for punishment, I walk down the hall to his room. No one is around. He's probably still passed out. He had a nasty concussion, but because of the surgery to repair his spleen, he had to have anesthesia. If I remember correctly, he doesn't respond well to the stuff. It knocks him out for days afterward, so I should be good just to sneak in and check to make sure he's okay. But he's not alone. One of the nurses from the waiting room is standing there, taking photos on his phone. What the... "Just what the heck do you think you're doing?" He whirls around, and his eyes go round. I whip out my phone and text Mrs. H. She's the one nurse I know who will take care of this. "What are you doing?" he asks, voice low. "Texting my supervisor to let her know what you're doing." He looks from the phone to me and then shrugs. He knows he can sell those photos for a few hundred thousand, easy. It's no biggie if he gets fired. He breezes by me and out the door. Oh, he did not! Running after him, I catch his arm and pull him around. "You're not..." "Don't make me hurt you, babe." His tone is threatening, but it doesn't register. All I'm thinking about is those photos. Photos of Shaw when he's vulnerable and unable to defend himself. "You are not getting out of here with those pictures." "You going to stop me, babe?" Without thinking, I grab his phone and slam it on the ground, smashing it in the process. Well, cracking the screen more than the phone flying into little bits and pieces. "You little bimbo!" And before I can dodge, his fist has connects with my face. Everyone on the floor sees it. He seems to notice and tries to run, but one of the hockey guys from downstairs is only a few steps away and snags him. "You okay, Cora?" Natalee, one of my good friends, asks as she helps me up. "Did you hit your head?" The pain vibrating across my cheek is horrible. The bruise is going to be epically bad. My head does hurt, but it's not as bad as the cheek. "She broke my phone!" the offender shouts. "That doesn't give you the right to hit a girl, dude." Mr. Tall Dark and Deadly hockey player doesn't look impressed with the nurse's outburst. Mrs. H. arrives and, seeing my face, rushes over to check it, her fingers gentle on my jaw. "This needs x-rayed." "It'll be fine." I can't afford a hospital bill. Even with our insurance taking care of most of the bill, I still can't afford what would be left. "No, it won't," she rebukes. "Or do I need to pull the same spiel you gave earlier?" I try to smile, but it hurts too much. "Now, is this the man you texted about?" I nod. "Yes, ma'am. He was taking pictures of Sha...Mr. Chandler. When he tried to run, I smashed his phone. I'm sorry about that, but it's the only thing I could think to do. Our job is to take care of our patients, not exploit them when they're unconscious." "He did what?" The voice of the player holding the nurse drops two octaves and turns from soft to hard so fast it would make your head spin. Even those pretty brown eyes have gone so cold and dark, they're nearly black. "She's lying!" "I don't think so." Mrs. H. collects the smashed phone off the floor. "The police should be able to pull any photos from the phone. It's not damaged too badly." The man's face pales. "We'll take care of this." Mrs. H. turns to Natalee. "Get her checked in then off to x-ray. Someone will be by to fill out an incident report, and Cora, don't worry about the bill. You won't be getting one since it's a work-related injury." Her expression dares me to argue, so instead I pull out my own phone and text my babysitter that I'll be later than I thought. At least I don't have to worry about one more bill I can't afford. When I get back from x-ray, they don't take me down to the ER like I expected. They bring me back to Shaw's floor and to a room. Natalee winks when she comes in. "Can't have one of ours down there in the mess." I smile gratefully, knowing she pulled a few strings. This is my normal floor, and I love the nurses I work with up here. "You got some ninja skills, girlfriend." "Ha, if I had skills, I wouldn't have gotten hit." "Yeah, I didn't see that coming either. I was already up and coming over when you snatched Marty's phone, but I wasn't able to stop him. Sorry." I wave off her apology. "How much longer do you think this is going to be? Noah's already up and probably mad that I'm not there to make his breakfast." "How is the kiddo?" "He's good, adjusting better than I thought he would when we moved out here." "It had to be hard on him. When John and I moved here two years ago, our daughter declared us horrible people and said she'd never forgive us." "How'd that go?" "She was five. She got over it when we took her ice skating." I laugh and then wince. "Don't make me laugh. It hurts." "Sorry." She hands me the cup of coffee she'd been holding. "I brought this for you. It's from the stand outside, not the cafeteria. Thought you'd need some caffeine." "Thanks, Nat." "Anytime. I have to go check on patients, but the doctor shouldn't be too long. He has to haul it up from the ER, so..." I shrug. It'll probably be a while longer than she let on. I'll drink my coffee and try not to focus on the man a few doors down from me. The one I shouldn't even have checked on. But I'm glad I did. No matter what happened between Shaw and me, no one deserves to have their photo taken while they're at their most vulnerable. Especially not by the people who are supposed to be taking care of them. "Knock, knock." The hockey player who snagged the nurse walks in. "that looks bad." "I'd say it looks worse than it feels, but I'd be lying." He comes closer, his hands in his pockets. His black hoodie with the Raptors logo isn't nearly as dark as his hair. The stubble on his face gives him a rakish look. He reminds me of a pirate and is way hotter than Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. The man is gorgeous, and he knows it. It's the way he moves, the confidence of his stride. I take a sip of my coffee, careful to blow on it first. "That's not from the cafeteria." "Nope. There's a little coffee vendor outside the hospital. Better than Starbucks." "No sh-it?" "No sh-it." "Good to know." After he stands there awkwardly for a full minute, I decide to put him out of his misery. "Is there anything I can help you with?" "Oh...uh...I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay." He doesn't sound nearly as confident as his stride. He sounds nervous. "I'm good." "And to thank you for what you did." "Not necessary. I'm sorry it happened. I didn't think anyone here would do something like that." "You'd be surprised at what people will do for money." The darkness lurking in his eyes tells me that he's well acquainted with the subject. Another minute goes by, and then his phone buzzes. He pulls it out and frowns at the message. "Everything okay?" He sighs. "My kid has terrorized another nanny. She's threatening to quit." Now that, I smile at. "My son went through three sitters when we moved here six months ago. He was adjusting to a new place, a new city, and sitters he didn't know." "My son has lived here his whole life, which is all of four years. He loves to cause chaos, and the nannies I hire don't like the chaos. I wish he was more like his sister. She's as sweet as can be." I laugh at that, not caring about the wince. "Three- and four-year-old little boys are a handful and take a certain brand of crazy to deal with all its own." "That they do." He smiles, and it lights up his entire face. "I'm Blaine Kirkos, by the way." "Nice to meet you, Mr..." He's shaking his head, interrupting me before I can get the word out. "No mister. Call me Blaine. We parents have to stick together. At least now I know how you handled a room full of hockey players and wrangled Myers and O'Brian. They said you were like a little general, daring them to disobey you." "Hockey players are very much like little boys." "I'm not saying I agree, but..." "But you do." His smile is my only answer. "So, I was thinking I could get you tickets to a game or something...to say thank you for taking care of everyone and stopping that guy from getting away with photos." "Oh, no, that's okay. You don't have to do that." "But I want to." "I work most nights you guys have games." "You could switch a shift or call in..." "Can't call in. Bills to pay and all that." "How about I send you tickets, and if you can come, then you come?" I start to tell him thank you but no when the doctor comes in. He glances at Blaine and does a double take. "Oh, Mr. Kirkos, I didn't know you knew Cora." He winks at me and shakes the doctor's hand. "Just in here checking on our favorite nurse. I'll let you talk to her so she can get out of here and home to her son. I'll be seeing you Nurse Stevens!" He walks out whistling, and the doctor turns to me, one eyebrow raised. I refrain from saying a word, and when he realizes I'm not about to gossip, he gets down to business. My cheekbone is not fractured as they'd feared, but it's going to hurt like crazy. He offers pain meds, and I decline, so he writes me a prescription for Ibuprofen 800 and calls it a day. Once my discharge papers are firmly in hand, I tell Natalee goodbye and waver in front of Shaw's door. Giving in to temptation, I go in and walk over to the bed. He's just as gorgeous as I remember. His skin is darker, pecked by the Florida sun. The blond hair that always made him look like the boy next door is lighter, sun bleached from days spent on the beach. His eyes are a dark stormy gray, and even though they're closed, I can picture them. His body has filled out a lot since the last time I saw him. He's become the man that the boy only hinted at. "Hey..." I turn to see Natalee come in. She's got questions in her eyes, but I shrug, not up to answering them. "How is he?" I ask instead. "In and out of consciousness, which is good, especially with the concussion. Surgery was successful, but he's not going to be on the ice anytime soon. Nasty concussion." I nod. It's what I assumed when they started talking about concussions in the ER. At least he's okay. I can go home and forget about him now. "Tinkerbell?" The hoarsely whispered word pulls my attention to pain-filled eyes. He's staring at me with an intensity that's hard to shake. But I have to. Without a word, I turn and walk out of the room.		Vam002		153	https://www.facebook.com/61552453307075/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731630	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 10:54 PM	1740993488	1746676468		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059427.html?language=en&timestamp=1740738013210&channelCode=DLLPF1059427&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3347401652654E+14	DramaBox-Movies and drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481267387_1206559214152338_991906122899893325_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=frI7E7Ggn6IQ7kNvgH-_cjM&_nc_oc=AdiArjtPqBUuf-g-oBVxTkaZ3ExcNXkHPS5P9LLZLC5wL2Ty7tjbfYdkU6-ncds1zRCpoAxXN3D92QxtCteG1mJa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYBoEO3rull0O2z_gDNI-yVO0GmNnSReFIFkmbRCAx8DMg&oe=67CB39BE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox-Movies and drama		715040	https://www.facebook.com/61554338662625/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731577	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 1:48 PM	1740993487	1745866105		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481462486_546516161143456_5412353741565354501_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SKTCuLk83igQ7kNvgEJO7ya&_nc_oc=AdhBZdysrioYehjwuuovyXPsHmj0Vp_gG7P9stx6NUr0gZnMLf4M9WcnMYev2QnENRjb1ElRnckqR29tpVyXnUGw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYClIRDVWVdmMcVqtBxiIA_P45FZhZKT-_l8YIHfUwOE5A&oe=67CB4D86	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731398	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:26 PM	1740993483	1749576383		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480297578_2175079586241177_2495862792492424382_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YS4GqLHinGkQ7kNvgH3M7R6&_nc_oc=AdjevVDTDMzStmshKHCZv4OjPs3nHkoSbKF1TxQhQis56ycP8n-yXL9HPES5oekoSjMg5UTE02eQ1JAVGVP9nMgs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYBIOR8AMgEwQUoZAKImJjQlHn8OiZ5EjFt7s27uQJ1XEA&oe=67CB4A35	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731932	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:54 PM	1740993495	1749578065		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/477001944_661024679591382_4247752280855272080_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L4xk4ZkAITgQ7kNvgHezKc9&_nc_oc=AdiMPpXCpbCN8u-Mj0sThV8IZirTs9DqHjm4t4HFOfl22Fbn36P_Sr1NIOjKQweppy3xGrW3p0vQzjWV-iROeR83&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYBZSY2KhEjE0T1Ywbr1pzz3xx-zk9BWz3GVichN8ejX1g&oe=67CB356E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731866	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 10:45 PM	1740993493	1746675915		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481190688_1951226545285556_7387412336843412899_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wcpkDITPl8gQ7kNvgHDMOaq&_nc_oc=Adg7Mxnl61Q-sX1kqgo5zG3Iv3NTttq2PXdbt2WSl7rWaQYPfKDeSzaLkrGBaSt8fQEZT3tDQ1_mF3IYG-l9wEnZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYCKeCnHP5zyNQKlrcMURx6aaCuuAU-P3H_kPfpRPrYKSQ&oe=67CB2C28	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731449	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 11:26 AM	1740993484	1749572804		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/hyperresilient			3.5654467422022E+14	hyperresilient	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/460681904_797102262376805_1181179633017860395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=50lgRGTJdH0Q7kNvgHdLPrG&_nc_oc=AdhsHs7ElZ0NEjlq9s8aEDN46dzmkHMrDuXp4-8adWna6CanCcIdyMGVegWHip_W9WiX4aJEFcwMzsgXyRX3SFlg&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDcGSkOLnQMtN28gi3sSVMdGippD1z73n5OEtfL7ox2Mg&oe=67CB341C	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0				hyperresilient		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/hyperresilient	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731565	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 10:51 PM	1740993486	1746676280		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481334637_933811948833830_8650644586028047262_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7haFbjJ0bA8Q7kNvgFBKaA4&_nc_oc=Adi6-6SGR-6uW8B5qVBuKOOvyevXp0EBh7PugqsZ75coffHPyIVtFogOeyaew38H42dt8ODda3F7HTB1i38fZg0D&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYCENX8Y9YUdILUtO5fd9xH72s3N_v7jO74T_1PSy8UilQ&oe=67CB2E78	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731734	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 2:31 PM	1740993490	1745868667		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481001097_28904911752456226_8732026512387816739_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ferjSVX_eEYQ7kNvgGD6JF2&_nc_oc=AdignvogXgFuElcn52PYEVzzw-5joO8TYopKqs4WpD4IlTAmffvstcEh2JySzyaOfCwjoUls6rMmXAlvhmTBlYCV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYAo6C7JYWpX9_y0G_qOTN7FyUDSiQcBLBNAWbZIwzsH0A&oe=67CB4CE6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732209	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 11:11 PM	1740993500	1746677482		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481971241_658711353346556_7880394338764893357_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VBW_4tiGLB4Q7kNvgHaJQjV&_nc_oc=AdiUI_bRbUqDLalMUhp6a9uMVTgMKenHeEOINb8Fp18cyf_eK0N535hLeGrICDvw2XrESQ5OJ_o3Mgq8ksAn7qEN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYAXWhHquuXJ9B1x2RuxInnxu0PJPK1uRwhwcVaHNJybGg&oe=67CB4608	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731964	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 2:46 PM	1740993495	1749584815		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074472_1383168746185588_9212673671320613024_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RqenD5BbtqMQ7kNvgFYt2IP&_nc_oc=AdipXenolHYVF_cTMz3x_jLK5MwUH3fTh9qWRsiIUYyLkLpZDj0bxcx2tH1aDX11nSehr_Ae7_UlMHeKJF-0GdgZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYAZnmUQwRvHOVbjnQN02RiAqsceO7GCAXDWNrpXit2JDQ&oe=67CB3FBE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731509	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 2:52 PM	1740993485	1749585128		2747																										nervanora.com	Shop Now			DCO	Take back your life and start living pain-free.	{{product.description}}	https://nervanora.com/pages/copy-of-nervanora?_ab=0&key=1740830676934&fbclid=fbclid			4.8054216848505E+14	Mag Serenity	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074539_1149305113051897_5932531265806291286_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qHtxln8jLhgQ7kNvgFsvJXY&_nc_oc=AdjltDCeQzTvgzq_dI7cS7-t-AVgjl66njCrZaEA7NcyeflAk4j3oUnSyMg0F9Xr46XQ0vOazsaJIbNMy55Sqy6d&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD5as0TgWgNvK1gJLvruqPvmsfOLnQqsu0ng39KsKa3SA&oe=67CB42DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with neuropathy, pain, and sleepless nights?Struggling with burning, tingling, nerve pain, and sleepless nights? Whether your discomfort is due to diabetes, age, or underlying health conditions... nerve pain can disrupt your life and sleep. It's essential to find a solution before another night of pain and discomfort takes its toll... Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion harnesses the power of magnesium to offer relief from neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbances almost instantly. This special blend seeps deep into the skin, targeting the root cause of your nerve pain discomfort. Just a dab before bedtime is all it takes, and you can drift into a peaceful, deep sleep, free from nerve pain. Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion also comes with FREE Shipping & a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Experience pain relief and restful nights or get your money back, guaranteed. ✅ Alleviates nerve pain ✅ Natural magnesium blend for effective pain relief (no harsh chemicals) ✅ Endorsed & loved by those suffering from nerve pain across the country for its effectiveness		Mag Serenity		17	https://www.facebook.com/61571848267243/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732142	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 2:54 PM	1740993499	1749585296		2747																											Call now			IMAGE						5.4180183921057E+14	Chiropractic Wellness Resource Center of Whitestone	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481311516_1308509023705069_8252833924934544238_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N-QjedpYr7EQ7kNvgEWYQIy&_nc_oc=Adg2bZVYyiVSIzc5RsaZ56n54ZOiyQGf-KNXg9PVr2nwzFCoKDIiDx823KPO23CE_J9pzGVXkoN01n5r9Hu871I9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AKJvkjWKTv9aAdSVUUBzlx2&oh=00_AYDkXMa5bmpozfhX8wqufhCg6QL_C_OL_dV6UfNaoSa34Q&oe=67CB3F14	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Mitch Jeter, the kicker for Notre Dame had the game in his hands with seven seconds left in a tie game and 41 yards separating Notre Dame from their first championship appearance since 2013. This was a challenge for Mitch because he was suffering with a groin injury for several weeks. Fortunately, for Mitch, he called Dr. Andrew Jeter, a doctor of chiropractic who was also his father. Although Notre Dame had a team chiropractor, Dr. Jeter wanted to fill in a few gaps with his sons care. As Robert O’Connell reported in the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Jeter was racing against the clock getting his son ready for the most important moment in his athletic career. Dr. Jeter “would locate any misalignment of vertebrae and push them back to place with his hands, before moving onto his feet and legs.” Thanks to chiropractic care which recognizes that the spine is the foundation of your health —keep it aligned, and your body functions at its best— Mitch Jeter hit the winning field goals advancing Notre Dame to its first championship appearance in 12 years. The lesson here is whether you’re a college, professional, a weekend athlete or a child trying to perform at their best in school, be sure to have your spine checked so your nerve system is your helping your body to perform at its optimum?		Chiropractic Wellness Resource Center of Whitestone		626	https://www.facebook.com/chiropracticwhitestone/	0		CALL_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731982	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 1:20 AM	1740993496	1747030855		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919706EB855B61096702E79D0121919BF46B6			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481005267_1801655007235090_1102290865972182364_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NRtuiZMk9FgQ7kNvgGSpycd&_nc_oc=AdgeInR9FD4K6KLkVIzRvH_9VmjzubcnRlBsVdABtQSYK9QgANTq7QJEr1W17ytQCnTHkXT5kzuxscCkr6sNRA3v&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYChG9ddDvWVhQ9FwANsGHFWO3ZG4WF_5PddCnCUnyxnnQ&oe=67CB499D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731972	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 3:17 PM	1740993495	1749586638		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970A515103D5D87DC014462FC4AE03D6783			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482017619_2217690498676497_3245415312278287451_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YdW1zmGZY_cQ7kNvgFfIF-S&_nc_oc=Adgz6waXeWaGvAiCWcMjFnk6Opye_LkJ0c4TiUrGjujZUy5VXE836fhCLfMW5sAHf8LEIR6dE74yx9nmuc6741AW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYB_-9YhG1bFZqNeJJ4NnGw0ksm67eu2L7XePnxGjA-k4g&oe=67CB4E7D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731512	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 3:18 PM	1740993485	1749586690		2747																										nervanora.com	Shop Now			DCO	Take back your life and start living pain-free.	{{product.description}}	https://nervanora.com/pages/copy-of-nervanora?_ab=0&key=1740830676934&fbclid=fbclid			4.8054216848505E+14	Mag Serenity	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481141309_565746129808830_2608660679829866896_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t_hohIQoITMQ7kNvgHLCkw8&_nc_oc=AdiNYU8npoi8p8kSnYmrdLw8ypn-ss1Z_n2OlivafTNs3OqSNfG4cR_SQDGt7OJcCRf5BikNw90lVooqE25LVmkh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYBg-DFi7c-P9P14ufiwbyF0WzRWE3zgOblcvsbI--RBFg&oe=67CB47A1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with neuropathy, pain, and sleepless nights?Struggling with burning, tingling, nerve pain, and sleepless nights? Whether your discomfort is due to diabetes, age, or underlying health conditions... nerve pain can disrupt your life and sleep. It's essential to find a solution before another night of pain and discomfort takes its toll... Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion harnesses the power of magnesium to offer relief from neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbances almost instantly. This special blend seeps deep into the skin, targeting the root cause of your nerve pain discomfort. Just a dab before bedtime is all it takes, and you can drift into a peaceful, deep sleep, free from nerve pain. Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion also comes with FREE Shipping & a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Experience pain relief and restful nights or get your money back, guaranteed. ✅ Alleviates nerve pain ✅ Natural magnesium blend for effective pain relief (no harsh chemicals) ✅ Endorsed & loved by those suffering from nerve pain across the country for its effectiveness		Mag Serenity		17	https://www.facebook.com/61571848267243/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731814	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 1:02 AM	1740993492	1747029747		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=88AC938DD8550581261886EB3DFE2E483D12F042105CE8EC			3.4007642920014E+14	Ron	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482023259_1275187667412657_1771243059874427531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hgXLVpAoaiQQ7kNvgH_uTQZ&_nc_oc=AdjfBQ0u7x36WaO5C-dcOmt_08ybVrJT1jLq5WKMxLHZyFewtR1aHNJuyydDuGqYv-k4egJvlP-1CLOMRGXqjfST&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYBHNXGsp7mDvAUBHr92mb3C92Fp7uxv_rm-BNQw1uU-ww&oe=67CB5D73	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Ron		4664	https://www.facebook.com/61564769759571/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731700	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 1:17 AM	1740993490	1746685066		2747																										consumerguide.pro	Learn more			IMAGE	Tingling, Burning, or Numbness? This Quick Quiz Reveals What’s Really Happening!	Struggling with nerve pain, burning feet, or constant pins and needles? This simple sugar trick, backed by Harvard research, provides fast relief in seconds. Learn how 200,000+ people have used this home remedy to get rid of neuropathy pain for good!	https://www.consumerguide.pro/vlp/nerve-pain-fix-t837779/o624487/			7.2398626110645E+14	ConsumerG	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481029646_976777707752603_2377380953410732390_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y9j1RbhnKYMQ7kNvgHH2roe&_nc_oc=AdgQIbQgpL1mQg9IAuiHeSAI8z-1V1-MfZBe8JLPsduV_8W7GF8k6DEwgt_pQmQGbXjzH5uYx_BOqkWbzkSbJyl1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYCcyKTY4SeLaFiU-LGOWzDDmPU-dIPxa1u7D17vJknnxg&oe=67CB496F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For years, I thought the tingling and numbness in my feet were just a part of aging… until I discovered the shocking truth hidden in a study from Johns Hopkins. I tried everything—painkillers, massages, expensive creams—but nothing worked. The numbness got worse, and I feared I’d lose feeling in my feet forever. Then I stumbled upon something unexpected… neuropathy isn’t just about poor circulation. It’s triggered by 3 harmful enzymes silently damaging your nerves. I took a simple 20-second quiz that revealed what was really happening in my body—and the best way to fight back. Now, I can finally feel my feet again! Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take this quick quiz to uncover what’s behind your nerve pain and how to stop it. Tap below to start the quiz.. 👇👇👇		ConsumerG		563	https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerG/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731535	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 4:53 PM	1740993486	1749592383		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481297409_9628506097180467_6602154487210544596_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hjMgD6ZlNikQ7kNvgHkXkO-&_nc_oc=AdgWbvQIPdgn33VGFcjjaiqkfF-x68DGF7tUyxiXE7DaSw9TRG3gGgzqf4brqQLO4InWX1EsdErLpoVi1otfmIpY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYCodfvbfENnEwIeY5fJPf3WXUAAt0qsOoDIoVbZHL2gsg&oe=67CB3385	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731595	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 1:01 AM	1740993487	1746684076		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481919790_9338647266249119_4221387276949777129_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DaGjmbRhnewQ7kNvgFn3YDx&_nc_oc=AdhxgBCZ_LKkwYVIveb2B3LnMNVSVeRoPrFetpmKbPjJPpYR6eok2xb78xH4GRS8YVytnUnrlzU1SzVu1lPJ6pFQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYCjEpwybUWM3lm1yi50nBtvNnbYSYKdcXpxw-FctrxMpA&oe=67CB297D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731721	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 2:36 AM	1740993490	1746689819		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261041_3755326034765041_1395262483060830578_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EPGJbyb_QXwQ7kNvgGGK8EZ&_nc_oc=Adhx_MKbXq_IyFnWvZTadvE3cGMu_eQ3H3BCSSTwozrG7-Y1UEimCPoVjLLAjZav2d6nOkvAvs35e10F-EUXF6Qn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYBKeKJ6AbEILuEV6lHMiUP-KUqVw7ewSalnDuFCYqw9PA&oe=67CB5301	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731719	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 2:59 AM	1740993490	1746691163		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481928992_1140333284442314_8092656081266394806_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e-WFi-Oqwy8Q7kNvgGrJPtQ&_nc_oc=AdhDLZBvdII7Y0YWiYtoCkDwGtQuqjngVWmuimnASYHjNhOZ48IXQgJTlHZzFUWxvVQdUTENh-VVgYKTQLL795mH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYB25GBLddnUHdIaEtxF0nryd_kkMqcwK-eKZPYzbAuzUw&oe=67CB34BB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731644	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 4:05 AM	1740993488	1746695135		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Click to get more great content!		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			4.3972496923122E+14	Hot Dramas	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481272028_931007032446217_4439837468298044712_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JPCgGu_RP-cQ7kNvgHJ1468&_nc_oc=AdgMyVGV6rU2O-RjSnyTDbfHxiq3yHBwPH6HOzBkogC6K5Cmr25LNpsduCK-InoQid0YcqtnToCLuJtwKgTODtgh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYBXGVVs4i-QmIkaUf78o32K93HMCDvWn_2JOUqwPW3b1Q&oe=67CB2CC1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Hot Dramas		562	https://www.facebook.com/61568451867405/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731910	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 8:54 PM	1740993494	1749606846		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	❤️ 6 Books For 50% Off!	"The BEST sports romance series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-sports-bundle-by-piper-lawson			5.6789754640055E+14	Piper Lawson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481036467_659792613081154_3808019447045474518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K-ylb7vtrDsQ7kNvgGa6XG2&_nc_oc=Adjv69yiQ7KJWnREvvu7aZGUZWzXXonUGnOclLh-HblRI5RPCJGGkRWfbHDCCDcLMTMblu1gtDQRKBjRKNNr_LDH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYDq5Ae_OTgxIdbZQPXrcvU9acQ_9dynGrYKZWhadrdjrA&oe=67CB5813	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I kiss him the way I want to, not the way I think I should. I reach up to thread my fingers through his hair and tug. When I exhale a trembling breath, his lips part. I change the angle and let out a little sigh that’s lost in his mouth before forcing myself to pull back. Clay’s half-lowered lids brush my cheeks. “What was that?” he murmurs. My heart hammers in my chest. I can’t meet his eyes. “I wanted to know what it would feel like if you kissed me.” He curses. I start to reach for my seatbelt, but his arms are a cage. He grabs my chin and forces my gaze up. His eyes are glittering gems in the dark. “That wasn’t it.” Before I can react, his mouth slams down on mine. He’s as rough as I was gentle. His lips and tongue wreak havoc with my mouth, exploring every inch of me. My pulse skyrockets as he tugs my earlobe between his teeth. My body throbs, every nerve ending coming alive under his touch. I can’t breathe. I don’t want to. I need more of this, of him. If he’s trying to scare me away, it’s not working. He strokes down my sides, one huge hand cupping my breast. My body swells, my nipples hardening and begging for his touch. I arch toward him, my hand slipping beneath his shirt to land on smooth, muscled abs. Clay groans his approval low in his throat, sending a delicious thrill coursing through me. His thumb presses against my hip. I reach around his waist, imagine the dark tattooed lines writhing beneath my — Click. The next second, his warmth is gone, and so is my seatbelt. He’s back on his side of the car, and the space between us is a chasm. “Don’t pout. I’m selfish enough to give you what you think you want.”		Piper Lawson		18	https://www.facebook.com/61572225267893/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
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2731651	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 1:42 AM	1740993488	1746686556		2747																										noveloasis.onelink.me	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907468200751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481234339_2355425378176450_8372730309639318968_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2PfNNc_UXzIQ7kNvgFxDPG_&_nc_oc=AdjYkvZ---i2ZIEf18u8Ft1sxP4ff_w-SRdMa-uy3Hg3glGQI1v9d03480ydH2rgm8ea0bOwxili_S2-hamUL9Zb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYCCQtm0woeECww63YKzWgoKROoF_yfvjqE6zHE_1gB0lA&oe=67CB52B6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731382	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 11:22 PM	1740993483	1749615750		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480813268_593791760318313_3477673359870243436_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZbU45f-aW7YQ7kNvgGk5O-j&_nc_oc=Adj3XoaRxhVN-yLT7Rme1n7du3a8CbQLZXG1ZzlMeVFzPkpeFEwDae5ZJGVng1gGHsjwwPgio90eHT3z9IrPSD4r&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYB2lfOBVBYsgmryIhqNkgJuiXheo_bX7Z3Tee7MjKY9Ew&oe=67CB361B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732181	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 8:06 AM	1740993500	1746709587		2747																										faldiv.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Bones and Energy		https://faldiv.com/en			5.3361770983774E+14	Faldiv	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481228166_1028566919114837_1245279529306482008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-fyCI-vmnYQ7kNvgFYoY94&_nc_oc=AdjqoJZZZyJ3JTFAK0ypUFBxseyo799PM468LJ6ROxxPMA1nyRGkwN6CQImADfYYUtF0LGE-qXzi9i1EogcK7VKP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYCly6DJ8Alv4-ERusi_Yq257pP4Y4mWfbthljqixe39Nw&oe=67CB5577	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Faldiv		1	https://www.facebook.com/61571951207028/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
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2731568	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 8:36 AM	1740993487	1746711384		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480883611_3942680826051906_6076847668737114835_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2qtypUwEI9gQ7kNvgEEso2T&_nc_oc=Adgs0RX8ztyxaY73KmLe1POc58QGDsugMolJpRGt7GF7kVNLDmHpvBJROyEqiHVDHzfOoxIOSlQoc3noV-g-dF00&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYDAGHzEVZ261VPxeciHFX5vxng24CgEpgDqzU45B81rpA&oe=67CB393E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731764	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 2:27 PM	1740993491	1749497264		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481227884_3995998434016678_8807583517430286518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3fsfYBygCWAQ7kNvgH8OqOp&_nc_oc=Adhmf1uQNmfbZAYdtLi_1yzXGvi-daNhjW1imwauAC9FmknCT8tn6__YH7rrXYkU6lnmKoORlQSSfPTu3sBkUpVk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYBk8N7HkHTWqzqmipNRa5_fkIDhCt81mxRl4YAaMdnoag&oe=67CB473B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731675	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 9:46 AM	1740993489	1746715612		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481183638_1785475948897290_6821111125153198855_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0Fb5rXZecDYQ7kNvgHg1xve&_nc_oc=AdjV5iBYrnUNcUV6shfPzZC-FflfV6DYDQmCmw9Y40cx4Xu3Nm3PI-iHPVBBIeZwb9XuI5gaY6taJRPETrkCo5lc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYBaEJSV6YhH8cJFBRq2s8fLYwECB7Pvhs1P6bMmMGrVjw&oe=67CB42CE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731389	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 12:38 AM	1740993483	1749620324		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480140030_940672688180471_221456710495073420_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4_x3vemYszAQ7kNvgHVTpu8&_nc_oc=AdjaQQBTqkNvb763maAvhzJ1He6VdiNgq1UfeQoAAV6bcOJWrTvRr9V0zVaMtzucH93poU_u5qYbm_DNkKdImd5n&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAt3QGdJQUBiotrhVIau9BNCih6fD05ztADfOrUT1KftQ&oe=67CB30FB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731826	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 10:47 AM	1740993492	1746719223		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8637664123143E+14	DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481066262_616826311129139_4850910822122969037_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tIqIeW_9xPgQ7kNvgG1eILn&_nc_oc=Adg-nAgiuQ5VxAZHkbcm00xUvcOonBKjzLUHcdd1J6UhuWpiXf1zoRLKUMWhCvu3l7cGzpyRluHgr5iFvZGnW7Nw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYDm04XeVkkx31PEnQN2aTNWD4tUmxP4kQwy26eBBigQXA&oe=67CB3DA8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos		2327894	https://www.facebook.com/61565078571830/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731950	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 1:56 AM	1740993495	1749624966		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482205658_1145206183651545_4433369603604105733_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wz9fBAoNf3EQ7kNvgFDOcdw&_nc_oc=AdhjEfJKNFEhdzGl5LbSDmc9GgJ7LQhFJ8yX0TduOG10Q99UnruSP5fJMLsQsQMQdpPJS-pN7iyBI4p_CTTwQ9p8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYBVnAcMmHfZxNE0bjzJ2GLkKBD8ONwQ9Hmey7LXJsZieQ&oe=67CB5789	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732320	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 1:28 AM	1740993502	1749623334		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074566_1826174524833953_4681556063486575044_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wemiyF6KgdIQ7kNvgHQGQM1&_nc_oc=Adif0l0TwGuHj-gkrJ93XVRCI5QOgPC5K450PEGISHteXLE0TBIBPd5f8dHZp_5Kx1898pzQ6-v-eSgiYBkt2h2_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYDPIFvWDWr9WJtTHPTHCIw5ErKJQcTqSWRuwfWe5KnyJQ&oe=67CB58A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late... 👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series🥰		Reelshort-Video stories		618240	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731748	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 3:31 AM	1740993491	1749803472		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481465911_2044947432693568_1262403868306880825_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dMsyGpPqPDUQ7kNvgEclMU5&_nc_oc=Adjz2QUJKmD5ii77sdAGtfJ8quHbR32Qenqwmi5vWGbkOH2R-964vT8vZ7-A1OFzlqbWOYkvW3WDUO7P_H3CM10u&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYDPtOtl4MjT_fhADxxyt-F0Q9uzW0SIs-VXRAS4ToGrQw&oe=67CB5621	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731833	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/25/25, 9:24 PM	1740993492	1748226263		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480912770_1845334916203358_6156578682541527480_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ddGMY_I1dwkQ7kNvgG5jImf&_nc_oc=AdiDuSk2Kins41eVvBzOGAE25r3WFlOV8xe5uxoC_OsqywJMA-43KG_xXP0NXnHlgLk0g7b4wKcWx2lBIlkqX0sR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYBXO_0q_Uoz63RhDdNSwdfOfS8tLdS0Hj8uKnSDeguaPA&oe=67CB50D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		ReelShort		1247730	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731978	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:39 AM	1740993496	1749634747		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919704053FD93B0701F25BA91D90FDF5ED5CE			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481103628_659886183199885_1589502184614405511_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y1KFTLrRmQ4Q7kNvgFD-OMh&_nc_oc=Adj94O3VKyIhIZ78eY9k4JYvtrLiJDcJ6V5ejZSWzWea8Ywt5sraqfxebQn24PR8yGMQUbVS5wVZfUSI27SwtWZ9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYCcqtsx6-Riob5blIdz2RvAAPMZCYPk2Cwd54JLAYGqMA&oe=67CB4266	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731418	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:03 AM	1740993483	1749632602		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E14B5076C30444B10FC1AA907C0E1BB992			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481054157_3988998664752217_7731836537023607829_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9SeCc35f49cQ7kNvgEUm5CI&_nc_oc=Adj5FUWy-zOU2fqn-oF6Rsy0jUEpXA-UWIxY5QQZG0rqAc8n4Ubdc3GyJJXMSp7_7hULX4tn8CJtQsiN4_jSEOCm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYA3Lzcr3ldnl5yP-ARO6yT9YIO89b9xBq4uBpJibdFZBg&oe=67CB5A6F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732091	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/25/25, 6:47 PM	1740993498	1748216869		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn More			DCO	A simple vitamin...	{{product.description}}	https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481803666_1160666018920542_3450911243861037114_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=H9BP1bOGZJQQ7kNvgHj7ByO&_nc_oc=Adgpl0e5obOLk_cns-42ur4BIwYN4uznZrFhAn7JAqSJO-rcugkswXbmFsRDzO2YiO9rM-Nv6pfL7pY9MiXWyQRG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYB-uta7lNzSQDt4qr6WhJGnytGUw80lTxIQk1cIoCE9JA&oe=67CB33FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732328	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:10 AM	1740993503	1749633038		2747																										play.google.com	Download			IMAGE	Continue reading 👉"The Struggles of the Prostitute "		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader			5.1124446255442E+14	Enjoy reading-D r e am e	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481035585_1856377055136867_1627997667379002705_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NevDuCsLHI8Q7kNvgFUJyl9&_nc_oc=Adi91DVL4BuAmm2OWoeqPijeLFbDrow9dmS_hJ1hbFdrEBmcyRjMLENKPYfD2WNlF-3dl3thNKbMeEI4wSdhMxZb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYCAtUurcN_B6EvZ-JAwOaZIV3h9gy0IupI4KSmV2oB_6Q&oe=67CB4909	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Selling?" The guy sitting next to me suddenly broke the silence. "What?" I turned to face him. "You turning tricks?" "Hmm... You buying? If not, don't ask." He went quiet and took another drag. I finished my cigarette with deliberate slowness. I stubbed out the butt and started sliding off the barstool. His hand closed around my wrist before I could leave. "Wanna take this to my place?" My name is Gemma, and sometimes they call me Gem. I'm 20 years old. I'm studying at a renowned university. I have a sharp face, big eyes, and a tan complexion that is neither very fair nor very dark. And I want to say without shame that I sell my body in order to survive. My family has a large export business. Our family's financial status is wealthy, reaching billionaire levels. I have enjoyed a comfortable life since childhood. Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was young. Just one year ago, my father introduced a woman named Emma to our home and informed me that she was his new wife. Emma has a stepchild named Jin, who is only one year older than me. Initially, I didn't feel anger towards my father for bringing someone else to replace my mother. I understood that he was likely feeling lonely and desired companionship. Moreover, both my stepmother and Jin have been kind to me. Everything seemed to be going well. Until my father got into a car accident and passed away. After the funeral, my stepmother revealed her true self. All the things she did while my father was alive were just a facade. She isn't as good as I thought. A few days after my father's funeral, my stepmother forced me to leave our house. All of my father's shares went to her. She made me stay in a small house that was quite far from the main house. She didn't allow me to spend a single penny and said that if I wanted money for personal expenses, I had to work in exchange. She and her child made me do various chores, including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, dusting, and cleaning the bathroom. I had to do everything for just five bucks. Jin likes to tear up or burn my homework. I have nothing to submit to my teachers. It has even reached a point where I almost lost the opportunity to take exams. They refused to pay a single dollar for my tuition fees. My stepmother told me to quit and study at a public school. In order for her to pay for my tuition, I had to endure, hold back, and suppress my feelings. Initially, I cried a lot, missing my mom and dad. I even contemplated suicide... but I didn't go through with it. I wonder why my mom and dad didn't take me with them. I wish I could live with them. I wish Dad had known the true character of his new wife before he was gone. I made my decision based on the advice of my close friend, Amber. She told me to use my body for me to have money. Of course, I did not want to do it but the circumstances around me forced me to. If I don't do it, I won't have any money. Moreover, I had to drop out of school because I couldn't afford the tuition fees. The little kid named Gemma, who had a cheerful personality, spoke well, and loved to smile, and whose life used to be filled with happiness. Now...that Gemma has already died because of everything that happened. What is happiness? I can't remember the last time I smiled. Recently, I did it with a senior student named Marco in an abandoned restroom behind the university. He was a 4th year student and was a hot guy at school. More importantly, he was Jin's boyfriend, my stepmother's daughter. Marco and I had been secretly doing it many times without Jin knowing. If she only knew, I believe she would be devastated. Huh! After we finished, Marco and I parted ways. "Gem, where have you been? I've been looking for you all over campus," greeted Amber, my only close friend. I didn't answer, I just raised my eyebrows at her once, and she knew what I had done. "And who is the guy?" she asked me. "It's Marco," I answered. “Wow! Again? Looks like Marco is attracted to you huh." "Probably. He gives me three hundred bucks this time." "Jin might lose her mind if she finds out that you've been secretly meeting her boyfriend," Amber uttered. "Well, that's what I want," I said in a calm voice with a cold expression. "Hmm. I like it. But anyway, let's go study." Amber and I have known each other since elementary school. We are very close. Amber is just like me. She sells her body to survive. That's why it's just the two of us together. I don't have any other friends. Amber had to resort to selling herself because her family's company went bankrupt. People know what kind of women Amber and I are. We can't be expelled from the University because Amber knows the owner. That's why we are still able to study there until now. After class was finished, it was time to go home. "Want to go out tonight, Gem?" Amber asked. "Oh, let's go," I answered. "At the pub tonight at 10:00 p.m. I'll pick you up at the condo." Since I started selling myself, I haven't set foot in that house again--the house I've lived in since I was born. "Gem, Gem, look at that!!" Amber pointed out to me a couple. They are a couple that only attracts jealous people. The two of them were sitting, bickering at their usual corner table. Those two people are Marco and Jin. Huh... many people are jealous of the two of them. But I'm not jealous at all. It's even pitiful. "A rotting ghost with a rotting coffin," I said with no emotion. "Yes, you're right." Someday, I will make my stepmother and stepsister know what it's like to have everything taken away. At exactly 10:00 in the evening, Amber came to pick me up at the condo. We are going to a pub tonight. "Hey, you look great tonight, huh?" Amber tilted her head while looking at me. "I'll meet someone later," I uttered. "Hmm... with whom?" she asked. "It's Caleb." "Is that Marco's friend?" "Uh... yes." "So he won't have any problems?" "What problems will there be? Will they have problems because of someone like me?" I uttered. "Not like that," she said. "I'll take care of both of us later," I told her. "Alright. I'll leave it to you then," Amber replied. *** At the pub. The guys had arrived and already ordered, waiting at the table. Amber and I walked together to find Caleb at the table. Garry, Jackson, and Marco were sitting there. The latter looked at me with a slightly shocked expression upon seeing me. "Is this the girl you told Garry about?" Marco turned to ask Caleb. "Oh, Gem, come sit here," Caleb called me to sit next to him. As for Amber, she sat next to Justine. Then the waitress walked over and prepared some drinks for us. After sitting and drinking for a while, Caleb reached out and poked my arm. "Let's go to the bathroom." Caleb leaned forward and whispered to me. "Are you in a hurry?" I asked him. Caleb raised his eyebrows at me and then stood up, walking towards the bathroom. "I'll be back soon, Amber." I turned to talk to Amber, then got up and followed Caleb. When we arrived at the bathroom, Caleb dragged me into the last cubicle. "Uh. Chill. Take it easy. Okay?" I pushed Caleb on his shoulder. Then after that, Caleb walked out of the bathroom. As for me, I straightened my clothes and then walked out of the bathroom. "Hey... is the guy really good?" As I was walking out of the bathroom, a man's voice greeted me. I turned my head to see who it was. "Marco," I uttered. Marco was standing in front of me, smoking a cigarette while looking at my face. "Hmm. He's fine. It's still thrilling in some way," I responded to him. "Huh!" he smirks. Marco took a puff of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke forcefully. As I was about to walk past him, he grabbed my arm to stop me. "Yes?" I raised my eyebrows and asked Marco. Marco took another puff from his cigarette and blew the smoke in my face, looking at me intently. He then pulled me into the same place I had just come out of. Marco walked back to the table first. As for me, I sat in front of the bathroom, smoking a cigarette. Suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere and sat next to me. He was handsome, with fair skin and a smooth face that resembled a woman's. However, no matter how attractive he was, it didn't affect me in any way. Just as Amber had once told me, I felt numb. I couldn't feel love for anyone. "Are you for sale?" The man sitting next to me suddenly said. "What?" I turned to look at him. "Are you offering yourself?" he asked. "Um...why? Do you want me? Because if you don't want my service, just don't ask," I uttered. He remained silent and continued to smoke his cigarette. Meanwhile, I continued smoking until I was finished. I flicked the cigarette away and stood up, preparing to walk back to the table. However, the man grabbed my arm before I could leave. "Do you want to come to my condo?" he asked. I looked surprised at the face of the man who invited me to his condo. "How old are you?" I asked. "Sixteen." He smiled faintly at me. "I'll see you when the pub closes," I uttered. "Can I have your number?" he asked. "Give me your phone," I uttered. He handed the phone to me. I pressed my number for him to go. When finished, I handed the phone back. "My name is Brandon," he said. "Hmm," I replied shortly. "And your name is...?" I didn't answer. I just turned my back on him and walked into the pub. "Hey...you still haven't told me what your name is," he shouted behind me but I didn't care. I walked back to the table and noticed Marco sitting there, flirting with a woman. This man is quite naughty, I must say. But interestingly enough, Marco and Jin seem to have a certain compatibility. Because Jin is secretly involved with Garry, who happens to be Marco's friend. And it's highly unlikely that Marco is aware of this situation. As for me, I only know about it because Caleb shared the whole story with me. "What took you so long?" Caleb pulled me by the waist and hugged me. "I just happened to run into someone I know, so we chatted for a bit," I answered. "Will you spend the night with me tonight?" Caleb whispered to me. "I'm not available tonight... maybe next time." "Alright then... but next time, I hope you won't refuse to spend the night with me," he uttered. I nodded. "Yeah, I promise." "Marco, you're neglecting your friends," I heard Jackson suddenly say to Marco. It seems like Marco is only focused on flirting with women and doesn't seem to care about anyone else. "Yeah, guys! I'll go to the bathroom first!" After saying that, Marco and the woman stood up and walked towards the bathroom. I suppose it's not hard to guess why they went there. They probably will do something hot. Then we continued drinking. After a while, Jackson and Caleb excused themselves to go outside to smoke cigarettes. "Gem, I've been looking for you since earlier." "Why? What's going on?!" I asked my friend. "Look at the man at that table. I see him looking at you all the time." Amber extended her hand and nudged me to look at the person she was referring to. I glanced over at the table where Amber pointed, and as I turned to look at the man sitting there, he raised his glass of wine and gave me a sweet smile. It was the same guy who had invited me to his condo while I was in the bathroom. His name is Brandon. "Hey Gem, I really want him. But he seems very interested in you. He doesn't even glance at me." She made a slightly angry face. "So can you go up to him and ask for his name? Or could you get his number for me?" she added. "Hmm. His name is Brandon. And he got my number earlier," I replied to Amber. "Oh! That's why he's been looking at you. He likes you," Amber whispered to me. I just shrugged. "So how is it? Is he cool?" "We didn't really talk much. We agreed to meet when the pub is closed. And he invited me to go to his condo," I replied to Amber. "Hmm. Why are there so few handsome and cool guys?" she uttered. "You talk like your dad isn't handsome at all." The father I'm talking about is the owner of the university where Amber is secretly having an affair. Even though he's in his forties, he's still handsome. He has a very muscular and fit physique, with a tight six-pack. "Shh! Don't say that loud or Daddy will show up. I actually sneaked away to come here!" "I hope your daddy comes here to see you," I joked. "Oh God! Gem! You just hit a nerve talking about Daddy. It gave me goosebumps." Amber rubbed her arm back and forth. Amber and I continued drinking. A guy named Brandon was looking at me. He kept his gaze fixed on me even when I looked away. I pretended not to care. For a while, Marco, Caleb, and Jackson returned to the table. We didn't know where the woman who was with Marco went, and she didn't come back. Then we continued drinking until the pub was about to close. After a while, my phone rang. I picked it up and checked who had sent me a text message. When I clicked to look, I immediately knew who had greeted me. It was that guy named Brandon. From Brandon: I'm waiting in the car. He also mentioned the type of car he has and its registration number. I read the message but didn't reply. "Hey, Amber. I might leave first," I said. "Oh, are you leaving? Alright. I'll just go home with Jackson later," Amber replied with a meaningful smile. "You're leaving? The pub isn't closed yet. It seems like you're in a hurry to go home," Garry commented. "I have somewhere to go. Please excuse me," I uttered. "Hey, Gem. Don't forget next time, you have to sleep with me," Caleb whispered. I nodded. "Alright. I won't forget." "Amber, don't get too drunk." I turned to tell Amber. She nodded at me and responded, "Okay." Then I walked out of the pub and headed straight to the car of a guy named Brandon. As I was walking towards the car, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. But I didn't read them because I was trying to spot Brandon's car. After walking around for a while, I found his car. I opened the door and sat inside. When I got inside, Brandon was waiting for me. "So, let's go?" he asked. I nodded. Brandon then started the car and drove away from the pub. "You haven't told me your name yet." He looked at me. "Do I really need to say it?" I said quietly, maintaining a serious expression. As I finished my sentence, Brandon seemed a bit taken aback by my response. "Please tell me your name. I really want to know your name," he pleaded. "It's not necessary," I replied. "Why are you so cold?" he asked. "Smile for me, please... I think if you smile, you must be very beautiful," he added. Why does this guy talk so much? I'm starting to get annoyed. I remained silent and didn't answer. Then I leaned my head against the car window. "You're so cold huh," Brandon said as he continued driving. While we were in the middle of our journey to his condo, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. I checked my phone to see who was sending the messages, and it seemed urgent. I saw that the messages were from Marco. From: Marco Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Come back to the front of the pub. I'll wait for you. Who is with you in the car, huh? Where are you now? Why aren't you replying? I didn't respond to his messages. After reading them, I turned off my cell phone. "Is your boyfriend looking for you?" Brandon asked me. It seemed like he also noticed the consecutive messages coming to my phone. "No, and stop asking questions," I replied to him. Brandon just shrugged his shoulders. After a short while, we arrived at his condo. When we entered, he took me up to his room. It was a very luxurious room, indicating that he must come from a wealthy background. "Please give me your account number. I don't have any cash here. I'll transfer it to you," Brandon said, handing me his phone. I entered the account number for him. After a while, a voice message came in, but I didn't see how much was transferred. "Do you want it in the room or here?" I asked, then pointed to the large sofa. "Who said I would do that to you?" Brandon smiled sweetly at me. "What do you mean?" I asked him. "I just want to sleep and hold you. I didn't think of anything like that," he clarified. After Brandon said he didn't want anything to happen between us and just wanted to cuddle, I took my cell phone and checked how much money he had transferred to my account. And I was surprised to see that the money was quite a lot. "If that's the case, why did you transfer such a large amount of money?" I asked him. "Well, I just wanted to." Brandon smiled sweetly at me, then he took my hand and walked into the bedroom. Once inside the room, we both lay down on the bed. Brandon hugged me from behind. "Hey, are you already asleep?" I heard him ask. But I remained silent and didn't respond. "You're probably asleep. Good night, then." After saying that, Brandon kissed me once on the shoulder. Throughout the night, Brandon did indeed keep his word. And I couldn't believe that he didn't do anything other than just hold me. Perhaps this guy is going crazy, paying me a large sum of money but nothing happened between us. The next morning was Saturday. I didn't have any classes at the university today. I woke up late, so I got up and prepared to go back to my condo. Meanwhile, Brandon was still asleep beside me. But when he felt me getting up, he also woke up. "Are you leaving?" he asked, opening his eyes. "Yeah," I replied curtly. "I'll drive you," Brandon said, jumping out of bed and standing up. "No need. I can manage on my own," I told him. "No. I brought you here. I can't let you leave on your own. Just wait for me. I'll just take a quick shower." Brandon got up from the bed and hurriedly grabbed a towel before heading into the bathroom. But does he really think I will listen to him and wait for him? After Brandon went into the bathroom, I decided to leave his room as well. When I arrived outside the building, I hailed a cab to go back to my condo. Once I reached my room, I sat down on the sofa and let out a sigh. After a few moments, tears welled up in my eyes. "I miss you so much, Dad, Mom," I said as tears streamed down on my cheeks. This world is really cruel to me. After crying, I clenched my fists. I gritted my teeth and glanced out the window with vengeance burning in my eyes. "You will pay for everything you've done to me, Emma and Jin!" I exclaimed. Then, I raised my hand to gently wipe away my tears and took a deep breath. After a while, I got up from the sofa and took a shower, changing into fresh clothes. After that, I proceeded to clean my entire room. I was engrossed in what I was doing when my phone rang. When I checked, it was Amber calling me. "Hey, Amber, why did you call?" I asked her. "Are you at your condo right now? I'll come over. I'm bored," she said to me. "Sure, I'll wait for you," I replied. "Okay. I'll come over. Bye, Gem!" After that, she ended the call. Then I continued with my cleaning. After a while, I heard the sound of the doorbell. I thought it might be Amber, especially since I wasn't expecting any other visitors at the moment. So, after setting aside my cleaning supplies, I headed towards the door and opened it. However, I was surprised because it wasn't Amber who greeted me. "Marco!" I exclaimed in surprise. He took the opportunity to enter my condo without my permission! "Why are you here? What do you need?" I asked him after closing the door. "Where have you been? And why haven't you been replying to my messages, huh?" he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's none of your business where I've been. And why do I need to tell you?" I retorted. But Marco remained silent, just staring at my face. After a moment, my cell phone rang, indicating a new message. I was about to check it when Marco snatched it away from me. "What ! Give it back to me. You have no right to my personal belongings, Marco!" I exclaimed angrily. But it seemed like Marco wasn't even listening to what I was saying. His attention was solely focused on my cell phone. "Did you sleep with this guy?" Marco asked, raising the cell phone out of my reach. And I knew he was reading the messages from Brandon to me. "Yes! I slept with him!" I said, snatching the cell phone back from Marco's hand. "When will you stop selling your body, Gem? I've told you before! I'll take care of you! How much money do you need?!" he exclaimed forcefully. Marco had talked about this matter with me many times already, but I kept refusing. "You don't need to do that!" I told him. "Why don't you want to?!" he asked. "For what? So you can make me a mistress while you're with Jin? I know you exactly know what's going on between me and that woman! If you want me to stop selling myself, leave Jin! Because I won't settle for being just a mistress, Marco!" I retorted. "Are you going crazy?! I'm paying you and I never fail! And Jin? She has nothing to do with this! If you only knew, she wants you to come back home! You're the one making things difficult for yourself, Gem! What do you think you're doing? Don't you even think about Aunt Emma?" he said to me. "I'm an outsider. What do you know? Do you believe what those two are saying?" I exclaimed angrily. "Gemma!" Marco tightly squeezed my arm. But I didn't show him that I was in pain. Instead, I lifted my head and looked directly into his eyes. In these moments, I knew he was angry with me. After a while, his cell phone suddenly rang. Marco let go of my arm and answered the call, while his other hand remained in his pants pocket. "Yes, Jin. I'm on my way already," he said. "Huh!" I sarcastically laughed upon hearing the name of his caller. Marco turned towards me and stared at me. This guy is such a jerk. "Yes, I'll be there in half an hour. I just need to change," Marco added while looking at me. After that, he ended the call. In an instant, he pushed me down onto the large sofa. "Here's the money. Take it!" he said, holding it close to my face. "You'll be meeting your beloved girlfriend, won't you?" I asked in a soft voice, my hand gently caressing his arm. For now, I will let them be happy. But in the end, I will make sure that their happiness fades away. After a while, Amber arrived. "Gem, I think I saw Marco coming from here," she said to me. "That was him," I replied. "Oh, don't tell me you two are getting along now?" she asked. "No way!" I denied. "But I think Marco has feelings for you. So just let him be. By the way, where does he get the money he pays you?" she asked. "I don't know. He's not rich or anything. So that's strange," I replied. "That's exactly it!" she agreed. After that, Amber and I sat and talked for a while. As the afternoon passed by, Amber said she was bored, so she invited me to go out and take a walk to the mall. But when we arrived there, we heard someone calling us from behind, asking us to wait while we were busy strolling. "Hey, ladies. Wait for me!" Amber and I turned to see who it was. "Oh! He's the guy who kept staring at you last night, right?" Amber remarked.		Enjoy reading-D r e am e		97	https://www.facebook.com/100086468286886/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2731918	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:15 AM	1740993494	1749633311		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482088809_1184937616475156_5613825562189190099_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5TTFRHpn8vIQ7kNvgFqTWlJ&_nc_oc=Adhkt-v-YLKyQIgO1XGpF8FB0XSOTmuAZtULxwLBggIaVPqG6GcF_lAoiS1ukd4rK5gANvjXL9_3zTblgNVv5v10&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYDzMQ-KcZo8MqHzuhxFE63sEDBP7Ei1uz_Kt5_6l8B5Hw&oe=67CB518B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731562	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:23 AM	1740993486	1749633811		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481989080_1698694461084216_739334055951144698_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3Ctye-RfHrIQ7kNvgHTIgGH&_nc_oc=AdioEOzL9Ap1Putio7K7UYZ1USfKQ4X4LwiPnIp2s3HOEIlwZ_D1b4UtdMWh970v6B5z8WQX-ayGpMA63irU3I8p&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYAnsbJsSEUQ__amAq76j5w_-CIIOyM-lIJ2NLMr-qA3Sw&oe=67CB3495	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731973	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 5:34 AM	1740993496	1749638087		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919708344B692C20F02982DD91ADD9F6DC22A			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481270301_1560402628001077_6738933100672248465_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MU-Qo8YoPoMQ7kNvgHkFv_k&_nc_oc=Adj_TXZ3NBjBE4tBF8SBtXQ63wRPyTWU01H2JJT2Sdlg8s_arg5oBhG_6lL1STr2Zo6MnG_3dsmqUPftWfzTFDec&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYC9heibo8_aVRQsIHeLObejmXGFYlPDyXTovj3lwJIPkA&oe=67CB2AE8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731699	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:51 AM	1740993490	1749635491		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059453.html?language=en&timestamp=1740922547912&channelCode=DLLPF1059453&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481812531_1042107324755832_2448045969676376759_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HP5l_DGw_NsQ7kNvgHTh9-v&_nc_oc=Adh06i4gripOSZvzp_X7e4RNHBovP9sIR188iwR6ltHd6-VqVqqQY39qGk7Tr0KE9CHQtTERcLQqSl2KKn58lw_C&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYAEVrInjzZ5i-BMjWoc-fGN0h5X5IGHX0KvmEHC5by1tg&oe=67CB4B69	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731981	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 5:04 AM	1740993496	1749636288		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D69197034AD67EE219B85728E0F003A5BC05763			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481916513_3908053736125195_5111921546722103684_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uhQD_vBpkpcQ7kNvgEUTynk&_nc_oc=AdjV6Ylek1dH-ZMsqS-V8w-ukpCi8bjNcdgGt-O57OXRKnlqEby4eQ3h9cGZT9A21xbWHJqOr1q5laIZ9ykZXGXK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYBYqgiosA6ybG7nhu0HbYIfDhFjuf7pu4kSztHPXurKBw&oe=67CB33DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? 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2731615	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 5:10 PM	1740993488	1749593421		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480693851_1825794708166955_4950252570831191863_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IEE8NlUeg9IQ7kNvgEq38dJ&_nc_oc=AdgytQLJmFAvJCS8cRVPd4Ix2FvJnkrpLeNGbMEkLZZ-D0RrHCF2lQvkARezwquIfoNy5XLMdo_rk6uEZpMHyYtV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYDPTiN5k_U16LBk2gUqrenHrN3RuVgQBoT3DzAFIwObbQ&oe=67CB430D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731953	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 6:39 PM	1740993495	1749685176		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481241008_666018135858343_990094516156755224_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AKS9c1WDx1IQ7kNvgFyupC1&_nc_oc=AdiJExAYmCFQozuhneGVZL5Q7eAoYEPAJdfwh458dvSx8wUVFjzeIeyWXvjs8p8ooUjuEQjBB7sVi35qymU8IN_E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYD1R5peUzr7Zlu6O-KMyeE6jBuyT0T4dJoaH1SnQGCJVA&oe=67CB55A8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731367	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 2:02 AM	1740993482	1749538925		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481270093_2840165416164734_282244215689816228_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U7fiFdbQXfoQ7kNvgHjn325&_nc_oc=AdilX0pVKFYhYUC1SX9rOzSHrGint6vqbrxFkZrxVROXmDG70ohxIg2uoeaeUry2rXMvqpo9whJ6Zeq4Y9bs9f5M&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYBA3JHZf3QtMFjtNF7Ln5oXzExS5_HpRT0kmSUZfcay8Q&oe=67CB4E3F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731368	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 6:49 AM	1740993482	1745840968		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481662391_1172727820875266_537419450164168399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WTOKM9xjTAoQ7kNvgG5J6pg&_nc_oc=AdhMrD4e0-jZ8VCPtgo0gPQruJZFpGMaN5AMhHzTmEpHForJHj3G78T62T8CIOb_mD5A-_gO_vkMS1GN1TsnlWpn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYBdbfesCtUl7RXO0BVzFWud8gnmGV2jCXA9aVD3oxH76A&oe=67CB53CB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731374	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 6:49 AM	1740993482	1745840957		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480290262_1143354413554997_2210001413366653409_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Bivxt5WL54Q7kNvgFQStoT&_nc_oc=AdiZj_YSG-HN9tTp653nM-xSlk-hlu4ExSz-CP1ImPq_wO_ySnmZHNPSoDcDUzsEUkTMrq9IBHfgDiGg7FbTGWzb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCZwSQJDZixR1S7lpLH5zLXi0uYtLf31ZpJjJ-rfYP5oQ&oe=67CB27C8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731373	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 6:49 AM	1740993482	1745840961		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481278798_2109744326132561_709419700873116932_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=p9WhadVmM5EQ7kNvgHAbgB8&_nc_oc=AdiXlwKSmzSRh8S4EMayIXNKBx9p-nAjYvgjP_F10cTHayb3rHsLtb1eZqFJYp4ac5xizH3jC5XTOps9g3nRcKVa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYBULzbedj3Ds81uNKUcsRqpKKaaxXHG53_ZTQ4d6G6D4g&oe=67CB513D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731376	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 6:49 AM	1740993482	1745840969		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480257893_1129450542059480_6156020806990727225_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z3d0x0aX6C4Q7kNvgHkU70n&_nc_oc=AdiRNbT3BIAcPcIKwdBcpHJxVOsMPscZyQjMHc6FJTy--EK_9k1X73YGdVoD9sYeDUEmNEwf_cBmiRmyNuKShNPz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYArcXgfHT_G5sZxEL-zDCpOV9lKK7tYp21uZqAxstNnNw&oe=67CB2E53	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731375	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 7:04 AM	1740993482	1745841888		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480083015_651566437220961_5787211117681691828_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3gM-a3bBE68Q7kNvgFWJpWm&_nc_oc=Adj4X-lDkwVu2W7jCgi-fGYw2lDNntaG6GQ5vMjB-aXQjV9OYnRXd3Ug4bHaScCRVrNt3yqg-ygi2G1HP3QqBbIW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCDl5O-7GGbvPAN-5XR6rra3yzZ6OVlXR6_BRPaZDXmpg&oe=67CB2C75	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731379	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480027432_644093198137489_1036690583454687380_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xX0Oaw9XUmcQ7kNvgEQ6wiK&_nc_oc=AdjcrZXruiVjmCRCdIBC9lPF5PS2wzCsbJx1Ti8Y6BLfuiFvKcSP_HYi5C4rBGj_wnrBVGYebkVJ2OVelT4xfTvo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYB206KdUCFIoS02VDKiD6caat4gf1G7Y3R-TYkCFvmxFA&oe=67CB3B24	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731381	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:20 AM	1740993483	1749882044		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482019627_1668911170667039_128404904488046904_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VK8J_3DqnfwQ7kNvgHnsZxz&_nc_oc=AdgFPs_xlQyJzyYaeYToCXTXeyLxQoEWUILLQy6X6d50VYPvbcxYZ211YEOSMRlLcA1NcUSYBlZqlYS7p-kbJL4K&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYDL9S0wpaYRDQx3yqdXfLOaTNK3-sRHJpP2tMnCQ_S--Q&oe=67CB5957	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731390	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481130528_626856700089050_1842398855386198138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Obhvm5xaqacQ7kNvgGKTvZD&_nc_oc=Adj-Hl51WpH_L-4WCfbNYSc-sCtvg5Ikye35kzzF_dwNaq3zc7Vmi60lscU4DIfGuOQ7w8WB3yOtclaSnfpd7rSe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAVVYJggETC9T8_pjpEwd5gqTpUXnNHhlIFE6rirKuuKg&oe=67CB42A2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731391	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480493156_660149699690625_691954125777347228_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kjk0QG5UboMQ7kNvgEZ-w1Y&_nc_oc=AdimzRthBYUPEbo-eeJIp59gwnGBPKYy247Bi5jxe-IkAetYn5OGXuanVqI4qoSajCNV-hiuzelZEg3D0Vu7JLKd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYB4BslEeuWoDjyLDiLQYDCLBetRPCUldpzjamRTImSIyQ&oe=67CB56A1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731393	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480174785_930889425700901_7998785118624193752_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Qs65IMno0EsQ7kNvgHAYVkw&_nc_oc=Adi6nq_6E92FmzRnAGI6EYkOhMV3RFp6-0jUVXACtIGCq1PxHXuxx_6TQZ3IrpjMm97akmfMz44dFuKc2RpRvo7J&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDPw4BgHhS6morDfOQLkV_Dgbn26bItSEDbULpJd0fzfQ&oe=67CB2CED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731399	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 7:49 AM	1740993483	1749732581		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/479546144_1619608258720237_4517649046028898027_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kosWxeAcDxoQ7kNvgE2GiMO&_nc_oc=AdhydRsOJ4BZkiDETs_b-R3aeLCSR-9_GQAuMVQf6rtCx5_7adQVzyAElGLkhpFMqXB6SJ_DZ1rI7smduqgVHhBB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYC3bEjzaMwc-YBDysnrIXwmm7ICLXTTorORTJXDJUSQzg&oe=67CB2D7E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731403	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0F040DFFDEAEC9C0219D403AAEB6BF99C8			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481165691_1296236481633561_5284433406380241723_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OE2g61pI7_gQ7kNvgGvgILq&_nc_oc=AdiAW3E5ZJcrjt_D13T31DIFsF4dYjZSOm30nEH_MbwKJxABtA0JQO3XgYnL2aAqYBz7P9vApWeHmXrJAGhxqBAw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYD_h-o6eME3byQ-m670ukSD8oRiPQFC8osc3KCS6vNTXg&oe=67CB4EC5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731404	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0FAFF5F35D30AF9F693D931864A25AD961			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481164737_611706472017801_652518223131326516_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hAhFL1vv9EUQ7kNvgHVfIe9&_nc_oc=Adi7oAmAMiBpHj8GVoONaVHWWbPv5G-aTBsGW_ajdSj7bc6aPuUInCtsiq1GDaYAbyq-fqT-fPsmjBnOvHoy9Suj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDeXkiK2SnauBqr9HkIocA95owtmb4g39Zz70odo4yzUg&oe=67CB2E0F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731405	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 12:44 AM	1740993483	1749793481		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0F578A5CF4A4805521569202A05453B293			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481921082_961821396073949_8704698883209844391_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wIhbGtdWzVYQ7kNvgGaNMf0&_nc_oc=AdjzXKb37mYEqi9AxVkqI9uK2BNMzhWlMRvQQnFI-8S9q3vQWWY29jH2vjjBJEzvFLu3NNMonG7W0B6JNsJ-tCOI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYA6dF6lEgOzAQdv9etS6iXMMvHbzfisrm9YSluM1IBUTQ&oe=67CB3382	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731407	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 3:03 AM	1740993483	1749542582		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0F34BAA63ED75E8E9949428DCC46C87638			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480977833_29794324173487976_9212037834725713867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P-2shRrxcT4Q7kNvgG4OfdL&_nc_oc=AdjeiIhhrhKvvj6kARh835mJAcQIOeybfjloKfZs00MIfYcvb8SRjz6jzSX_q5aAHAYDLbbXTFhnPPhr13JA6WKO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYD9ouDclvQG_3eW3uW4ms0WfbjxnE4XPUPEEw9fw7liOA&oe=67CB56C9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731408	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 4:15 AM	1740993483	1749546943		2747																										infiniteage.com	Learn More			DCO	I Quit Dangerous Meds - Here's How 👉	100% Money-Back Guarantee	https://infiniteage.com/pages/bldprsr-a			1.0989629381594E+14	Infinite Age	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472144751_525676167297719_4974808326316182715_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WSMFX_GHJIkQ7kNvgFnuyuS&_nc_oc=Adg4bHFvFLDGSJN0bX3ZdJrF90ToiAFr3GTRTtIhb83d4CycTnYnIUSFwV67G1FfYKGs4xEnNcKFnk-lzHs6DB2q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDtBVabut-t-EE-qz5rM7apN60TIkYf_NqIRq_Ru91lww&oe=67CB465F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I stopped trusting meds not made for us (Black People) and found natural healing. Learn how you can do it too👇🏾		Infinite Age		45853	https://www.facebook.com/infiniteage/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731411	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E1C00575990A3DF2C9F095A9BEBEF27E7D			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481055940_1180658167395130_5746869863735573255_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FC07lHKFfHUQ7kNvgGH_DTV&_nc_oc=Adgyf2uU-OjS5I03c2s5cDqtj1YIzFnPVW4RCZm7k8AkNGWXXN7iHEvPSqfNFpV7M1R4JCh2w7ZXGkC0sS54WTHW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCcAE7TFlPJBHj9luM2-8KR_y2ko6IMiConPX5SbgNPXQ&oe=67CB543C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731412	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993483	1740993483		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E1715DFF792FB045A9024191A4CB38FBC6			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480992606_663621016365616_8023438421753299721_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mWb2Zfs8Y6kQ7kNvgHbVQd9&_nc_oc=Adi2sE404x_gOs6Peptn1GEDgjjb2SngkNPDudzir-aCADpdVjats3x42Qa6jgqHDqYe2CCnatJSA9zCxkTmFp4n&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCLk6UbwHuAMmXvKfDxAQe5vDG0JcW5AloVI18BoM1AkQ&oe=67CB417C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731413	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 6:54 PM	1740993483	1749081241		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E1F5D72CAB62ED265BC14F1921F9F5FDFA			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481228722_1682131872381421_1885866948992238611_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2fVbcynjbVMQ7kNvgE-3DfU&_nc_oc=Adj7zhibEPGbjwj_2R6iNZfARyhwbGKBygLg7DQ88w-4O51kiHU_aN9v7Sq7HBWWD8AW4tjlb0ZoQPNJCekmFr83&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCmYSYAPG5dC-u9PcolbwgDIqJ0hMzb_XJWul97_Vg9jw&oe=67CB398C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731416	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:31 AM	1740993483	1749882711		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E13E0F4E300687E088A7F765FD3CC3733F			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481981725_1408990613595343_1738862108818751020_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4g4FZWFw7aAQ7kNvgGKb8G7&_nc_oc=AdgVLBbhyQZyuE2e35kCBR66HHsfsbeuadbOKZxLx3t0ltzpYJfKJxU4d4DCrmaASsP_PCWQuIFuKN_-9g7LloME&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYB-upxcVp_aUjiPLwx81Obz5x4EU_cqXEMHVG5PdzTzRw&oe=67CB26C0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731419	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 7:38 PM	1740993483	1746751112		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E171457E46AEBED9A76358812C5B3F2F40			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481264373_1528034237875220_5462284384281432995_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PeVDvN_MUA0Q7kNvgE1vOf9&_nc_oc=AdiHsTIChpVhw0oaJXAELwQ6MuWxrvA41jIdzOAC0GjpYDgwQjKTK5Y1Bvvbngr3tHnZlrmNYcsXWNOnxCtE0oUe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYBsTQloM6p9ZugXto-OCwrXu-EFE9Kq1Ww_QDs9onIElQ&oe=67CB4A76	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731422	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 6:29 PM	1740993483	1749770983		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F79E5A930F21EB22A07287244D62AE27B7324FB6CC10134F			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481295678_1701381983745483_4845146870766669604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KhhbIw1lBkoQ7kNvgHzdsYk&_nc_oc=Adi5zwcC23LUtFcG4fDWlT5tISMmVo9C5Lb3AiVQZpNQK9PxtiobrzXZ7QT-cDa7-ho7e6QBFleDFfWxcLCNQprf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYBNcOk-BGlf577gLQUd0Pih6TN1HC0GLiWz3OE2lSMWXw&oe=67CB3D6D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731423	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 9:41 PM	1740993484	1746412912		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F79E5A930F21EB2269130609212FDF2340551BD19EE7CBEC			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480872246_1038295668352333_7310345234797642023_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cgiu9HhlDfAQ7kNvgFLeX7E&_nc_oc=Adg_AnHwtIiNZMyM8DIBLam_zHby7cwOEErqUjvX9jqjAcyykC4K4w0rR-P7FPimZ9apA-1Xt-bH-_yB6b5AALF4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYB9li0sB3QFRkqhiyD6aN8Sa5z1teGAjUIV_NYVe_3h9Q&oe=67CB35BE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731425	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993484	1740993484		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F79E5A930F21EB22D2F984A7150C6A4E2BE92811BA0E439C			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482324001_1743266262885401_7601035766563138375_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HxquOwmb2PgQ7kNvgErvBT3&_nc_oc=AdgmEywTLhdIxgCgmwDKaXPGetRNbea1KzUQTE_wchzIc_OJVrfHHoXlNsyDKbTToEClVSQJ6f2LMWeMosgK56qs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYAyhCrSIx2VWbCw-bHUivTrWZWT5j91bI07FrHlftLK0g&oe=67CB2E91	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731432	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 9:38 AM	1740993484	1745937499		2747																										blog.vital-update.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		https://blog.vital-update.com/apirelief-us/adv			1.0954799162080E+14	Muebleria del Real	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481007927_1069318548337708_3024007822014395091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pcLTplz7wZ4Q7kNvgHaVLRR&_nc_oc=AdglQYVO-OHEktcMktCfPkZ5RTkow56-pN8CHn_8ys15iDKsNPeIrCkUaOWinM56xMOACpo-bVM-aQpwZPDkB2kC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDP1KeeHDkbrDWVva3TigDzfzLUd41dzY7g-ypai2U8xw&oe=67CB37EB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		Muebleria del Real		27	https://www.facebook.com/100077451611178/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731436	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 11:34 PM	1740993484	1749702881		2747																														VIDEO						2.3806427719481E+15	Howard Creek Church	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481296293_1169551608142537_8913960847314642072_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-XQRKZ2A8A0Q7kNvgHPzZIY&_nc_oc=AdhHIvMXVNdRMLZXaVS4PKM1LmhKF2tzzg9Kairyj8TneYGYUF2H3JhJA4bkxxFJz0WLMkJHby1xEk3v2AG91yMO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYA4cuM3CB_zmhuywJZ_fp-2QPTURdRaPkLuYnXd1t3o7g&oe=67CB4ED4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Howard Creek Church		983	https://www.facebook.com/PastorHenryHester/	0										View Edit Delete
2731439	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993484	1740993484		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	Are You Truly Healthy? Grab your exclusive $27 Bridge Wellness Spa First Visit Pass	185+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews	http://fb.me/			1.0107303953128E+14	Bridge Wellness Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/470138238_1731285717656214_6537049181433776877_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SHFKeNXyZj0Q7kNvgGvBms0&_nc_oc=AdhE2C0dzh8juNJytqz1h7g-m2VavyUOI1dhgNVfDDaRqjmQ2COhcAGIJ7FuqIuXdX7-2Rn3xKmT6AuYCPHE1jOS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDwrclg44SNkjy3YjBepPeaEpBrDBw0wdDupSVf0yrfgw&oe=67CB4486	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		👋 Hey Phoenix friends and neighbors! Feeling stressed, tight, or just need some time to rejuvenate? We get it — the body and mind deserve a break. 🌟 Get An Ultimate Relaxation "First Visit Pass" for Only $27! 🌟 For a limited time, come in and enjoy your first visit to Bridge Wellness Spa for only $27. 🧖‍♀️ This First Visit includes access to: ♨️ Infrared Sauna – Helps detoxify, reduce stress, and relax your muscles ❄️ Cold Plunge – Boosts circulation and promotes muscle recovery 🛁 Hot Tub – Relax and unwind with soothing warmth 🔴 Red Light Therapy – Promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health 🦵Compression Boots – Enhances circulation and reduces swelling Why You'll Love It: ✅ Increased energy and stress relief ✅ Reduced inflammation and improved circulation ✅ Detoxified body and deep relaxation Whether looking to ease muscle tension, recover from a workout, or just enjoy some self-care, we've got you covered. Here’s what our clients are saying: "I was nervous about the cold plunge, but Tiffany made the whole experience amazing. With support from the group, I overcame my fear and left feeling more energized and revitalized than I have in years! I’ll definitely be back and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their mental and physical health. I’ve never felt so relaxed! The combination of treatments left me feeling energized and at peace. Highly recommend Bridge Wellness Spa!" – Gabrielle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎁 Special Bonus: Founding members can unlock an exclusive lifetime membership rate! Click the “Learn More” button below to grab your exclusive $27 First Visit Access Pass and schedule your wellness escape today. Spots are limited! ⏳🏃‍♀️		Bridge Wellness Center		253	https://www.facebook.com/bridgewellnesscenteraz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731442	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993484	1740993484		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	Get Relief. $49 New Patient Special. Exam, X-Rays (if needed), and Dr's Report of Findings. Book Today.	5 Star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 303 Google Reviews	http://fb.me/			1.1870239446932E+15	Full Life Chiropractic	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/420509870_911765600148166_1614564322514667915_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s1XhDfKU4r4Q7kNvgFSUG7F&_nc_oc=AdgUxlHyzkNrQdH7sAlYwrZ6plIIm83TQx4n_EfFx2swkVMO3qu0p_54vkvdjun_H4N6vf2UBTl_Ys735iXJeE4f&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYBLgtvOq_1qtTCmum3Zv-1lQYOStf9SW12ozcEykTPjIQ&oe=67CB263A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 Dealing with headaches, back pain, neck pain, or chronic muscle tension? We get it. It's frustrating. 😩 🎉 Hey there! Welcome to Full Life Chiropractic. We're all about getting to the root cause. New Year. New You. 🎁🔔.🎉 27 vouchers for anyone who really needs to get care right now. ✅ For a limited time, snag our special offer for only $49! It's a complete package with an Exam, X-Rays (if needed), and Dr's Report of Findings. "When I started with full life Chiropractic I was unable to walk. After three sessions I was once again walking without pain! I'm usually not one to recommend things. But Full Life Chiropractic is something you should definitely try! They are fantastic! They will help you and improve your life! One of the best decisions I've ever made!. " ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💃 Simply click that "Learn More" button to secure a spot and book an appointment with our amazing team. Oh, and by the way, spots are limited, so don't wait too long to grab this exclusive offer. Say goodbye to pain and hello to a fresh start.		Full Life Chiropractic		3401	https://www.facebook.com/FullLifeTroy/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731447	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:40 PM	1740993484	1749530443		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/hyperresilient			3.5654467422022E+14	hyperresilient	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/460681904_797102262376805_1181179633017860395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=50lgRGTJdH0Q7kNvgHdLPrG&_nc_oc=AdhsHs7ElZ0NEjlq9s8aEDN46dzmkHMrDuXp4-8adWna6CanCcIdyMGVegWHip_W9WiX4aJEFcwMzsgXyRX3SFlg&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDcGSkOLnQMtN28gi3sSVMdGippD1z73n5OEtfL7ox2Mg&oe=67CB341C	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0				hyperresilient		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/hyperresilient	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731448	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:56 PM	1740993484	1749531365		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/hyperresilient			3.5654467422022E+14	hyperresilient	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/460681904_797102262376805_1181179633017860395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=50lgRGTJdH0Q7kNvgHdLPrG&_nc_oc=AdhsHs7ElZ0NEjlq9s8aEDN46dzmkHMrDuXp4-8adWna6CanCcIdyMGVegWHip_W9WiX4aJEFcwMzsgXyRX3SFlg&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDcGSkOLnQMtN28gi3sSVMdGippD1z73n5OEtfL7ox2Mg&oe=67CB341C	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0				hyperresilient		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/hyperresilient	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731450	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993484	1740993484		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/hyperresilient			3.5654467422022E+14	hyperresilient	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/460681904_797102262376805_1181179633017860395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=50lgRGTJdH0Q7kNvgHdLPrG&_nc_oc=AdhsHs7ElZ0NEjlq9s8aEDN46dzmkHMrDuXp4-8adWna6CanCcIdyMGVegWHip_W9WiX4aJEFcwMzsgXyRX3SFlg&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDcGSkOLnQMtN28gi3sSVMdGippD1z73n5OEtfL7ox2Mg&oe=67CB341C	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0				hyperresilient		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/hyperresilient	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731452	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:49 PM	1740993484	1749260999		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/hyperresilient			3.5654467422022E+14	hyperresilient	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/460681904_797102262376805_1181179633017860395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=50lgRGTJdH0Q7kNvgHdLPrG&_nc_oc=AdhsHs7ElZ0NEjlq9s8aEDN46dzmkHMrDuXp4-8adWna6CanCcIdyMGVegWHip_W9WiX4aJEFcwMzsgXyRX3SFlg&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDcGSkOLnQMtN28gi3sSVMdGippD1z73n5OEtfL7ox2Mg&oe=67CB341C	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0				hyperresilient		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/hyperresilient	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731455	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:21 AM	1740993484	1747038097		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480291515_1617957638841198_2579888378942407276_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6MPCzEpV1iAQ7kNvgGuXIKb&_nc_oc=Adh5GqHl8mOFTQO43TKPIbd9_2Uc0kE1ot-neknKJp29FYJmg5jFHKMdsEEpKywJZU2FZ3n5b2FLwWaXB1_Uku7e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYDQrgsNTZSaMMPlb0FVcckGR--CSlKIZ1qJoir4g8YzEA&oe=67CB3CA2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731489	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 3:01 AM	1740993485	1749110481		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481168610_1498894978181229_6007174644938072399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gMByyrTOvDIQ7kNvgGI5BSo&_nc_oc=AdjM8BU73VJIMPEzZdhiQl_BlrIsBXih1bBfko6Q7vhiRSq24EAvnjAkr-hwZwLU4K3xFHTeA0gxZzBRdVhVL-y1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBruDa2YQ99DdSnJFgggUxDYYAVdUT3Bazg9S-BOsl0HQ&oe=67CB52AE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731491	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 9:41 PM	1740993485	1749264065		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481457013_8605126309588499_6660365845250079979_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Codek-dOdkEQ7kNvgHyzdbB&_nc_oc=AdiKXQ3OOmBQ9FRB7vEyYPWG6trmsuF4_B1S2mjLObZpPDMLrvhfRHunVVXtZ1PydBzUrAnYM8FWT6XuTxN_oudn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDDkxbHlNqDjoLxmbZ2KLFWG9smCD_lDId8MTwmCFnRWw&oe=67CB3D94	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731495	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 8:36 PM	1740993485	1749260189		2747																										timbergood.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://timbergood.com/shop/6-roller-back-massager/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=conversion&utm_campaign=massager			1.0372986516994E+14	Timbergood	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481260134_977096041025250_4317151142484705471_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8O-3z3GHXWgQ7kNvgH-F1GY&_nc_oc=AdgI5GNo9w5r2dsTigK_pZnHsSaIzSAU4KoJ78W2x1APmxKuHveOiN3nyg0JBS6mb5m8Ser0KCYuNm9rRt1nV9in&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDOJDxU3lcME3zb5RQZ85JfuQQaJobVPzXK6wstsD0t5A&oe=67CB2D5A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Timbergood		30	https://www.facebook.com/timbergoodcom/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731496	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 1:24 AM	1740993485	1749277488		2747																										timbergood.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://timbergood.com/shop/6-roller-back-massager/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=conversion&utm_campaign=massager			1.0372986516994E+14	Timbergood	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481260134_977096041025250_4317151142484705471_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8O-3z3GHXWgQ7kNvgH-F1GY&_nc_oc=AdgI5GNo9w5r2dsTigK_pZnHsSaIzSAU4KoJ78W2x1APmxKuHveOiN3nyg0JBS6mb5m8Ser0KCYuNm9rRt1nV9in&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDOJDxU3lcME3zb5RQZ85JfuQQaJobVPzXK6wstsD0t5A&oe=67CB2D5A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Timbergood		30	https://www.facebook.com/timbergoodcom/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731505	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993485	1740993485		2747																										luxkleider.com	Order now			VIDEO	Say Goodbye to Muscle Pain – Relax Anytime, Anywhere!		https://luxkleider.com/products/hugterra-massager			5.9449476040983E+14	Daniel L. Abrams	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482000716_1355548652467571_3798755568020889784_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R0EWCtieavMQ7kNvgExMhG1&_nc_oc=AdjaXl2xU4Npce-ptbILh428QV46fRYUPJNkOq26LGNpQ45Ei8E72tkrJfZ_jv2wOxzWy-Jn6GW2DDrT5K8zFoPw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYDfdCszG4J-odTGf9e5qQUxBdQ6mViS_28FkN659vVBrA&oe=67CB3482	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥 Suffering from back pain after long hours at work? Say goodbye to soreness with the Hugterra Massager – your personal massage therapist at home! ✅ Instantly relieves muscle pain ✅ Compact & easy to use anywhere 🚀 LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Get 30% OFF today! Shop now & save 52% ➡️https://luxkleider.com/products/hugterra-massager		Daniel L. Abrams		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573791270199/	0		ORDER_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731506	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993485	1740993485		2747																										newhubmarketplace.com	Learn more			IMAGE			http://www.newhubmarketplace.com/			6.1020714883786E+14	NewHub Marketplace	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275294_2008790509617381_3997338357960194083_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=45ipUKAiASsQ7kNvgHas-Ib&_nc_oc=AdiS-B3rFJd-PEvCs9pOJnUbfi7cAycOuEFUrW99GHbnC-oSi-Afiw6dv6a1QOVucInF9hIGgYcxOJgCMiECDoaZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYBRPurm9XtWnVEB_qrJh6LrINzutjYpMN_7TmPjjfs-Ow&oe=67CB37FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🚀 DigestSync – The Digestive Flow You Deserve! 🥴 Feeling like your digestion is slower than rush hour traffic? With DigestSync, your digestive system gets the support it needs to work efficiently and smoothly! ✔️ Activates the vagus nerve, ensuring food moves naturally from the stomach to the intestines. 🔥 Reduces inflammation and promotes a balanced, smoother digestion. 💨 No more congestion! Your digestive system flowing as it should, without discomfort or delays. 🚀 Say goodbye to sluggish digestion – try DigestSync and keep everything running smoothly! ORDER NOW 🔗 www.newhubmarketplace.com/digestsync		NewHub Marketplace		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573392360086/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731517	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993485	1740993485		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731515	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 1:19 AM	1740993485	1745993992		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731519	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 4:46 AM	1740993485	1746265581		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731520	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 6:08 PM	1740993486	1749510536		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731521	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 1:02 AM	1740993486	1749708178		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731524	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993486	1740993486		2747																										mysoothelab.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Soothe discomfort today | 60% off 👉	😊 75,000+ happy customers | 24/7 support	http://mysoothelab.com/sbm			1.0377071935262E+14	My Soothe Lab	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275288_1332877064414599_3620939769911035482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qVy-lcN5FiYQ7kNvgGFITF4&_nc_oc=Adj92uO0evpSzC5s4mlr7q6xJda_ZxzZUPvpZ7ANoL3AdMT5a6zSC63sB1VjORECGUwWuh5YRDQWyz3RJd4oWKmX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYDp1cn5EA8OJnvxUXVjBqQYs55yhg_RzsEmcSkKTXokTg&oe=67CB29F9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"This is the ONLY device that relieved my back pain and sciatica. Just 15 minutes day from the comfort of my own home is all it took to feel significant relief!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Monica L. - USA ✅ Eliminate back pain & sciatica at home with the Soothe Massager. ❌ No pills & expensive medical bills. Shop now while it's on sale ➡️ mysoothelab.com/sbm		My Soothe Lab		835	https://www.facebook.com/mysoothelab/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731528	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 7:08 AM	1740993486	1746187706		2747																										arialief.com	Learn More			DCO	This is how you fix neuropathy pain	{{product.description}}	https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=CQ8hglku6O			4.2588851395109E+14	Juliano Novaes	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482261100_499667972953202_8238262100440552050_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ecU_45PPvjoQ7kNvgGUjU8Z&_nc_oc=Adioso6u_fbOw1CvXe9xt5csKLBocBT73oKMaR6ddARMK1zXpy71wyadvjpxuNB1PPSf3_UI_YvEi2-apTSXLkot&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYCQ8sAUAq54U1u9nuEFlsKNorws1fb7B7Y53EtA1mt_uw&oe=67CB3654	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		This is how you fix neuropathy pain		Juliano Novaes		7	https://www.facebook.com/61569140743195/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731529	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 5:45 PM	1740993486	1746225910		2747																										arialief.com	Learn More			DCO	This is how you fix neuropathy pain	{{product.description}}	https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=CQ8hglku6O			4.2588851395109E+14	Juliano Novaes	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482261100_499667972953202_8238262100440552050_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ecU_45PPvjoQ7kNvgGUjU8Z&_nc_oc=Adioso6u_fbOw1CvXe9xt5csKLBocBT73oKMaR6ddARMK1zXpy71wyadvjpxuNB1PPSf3_UI_YvEi2-apTSXLkot&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYCQ8sAUAq54U1u9nuEFlsKNorws1fb7B7Y53EtA1mt_uw&oe=67CB3654	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		This is how you fix neuropathy pain		Juliano Novaes		7	https://www.facebook.com/61569140743195/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731536	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993486	1740993486		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481246033_667372976242518_5195426866211614437_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kHH9MubWGTgQ7kNvgFpFZPE&_nc_oc=AdiJ7yOZmo-kZJVj8M3SMpcYeI5KxLCnrEFLJapPsCIhmpdVmTne52CdGrGnb4x6b8GncND7x2Gr9Sez1r2YL8pw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYC5UCjMwxFLC5r7d0-zdR9FqkKrKtpb1nm_E7xcWa0MBA&oe=67CB38B5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731537	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993486	1740993486		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481297222_945508897764907_6053638972830036473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bQIoIxEeAJAQ7kNvgF5O3la&_nc_oc=AdhFTLS-exYCESz7JJuts0rwyuVA1FirbHav7snjB4EztcszZqBBfMc-2U9xX_kaExF3rWf7-0pnuqDTRNCJHJ48&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYAt-P-WRTCwMYWGT-J9L4AnfS4G6rPZ9xbhhp49kXXgnw&oe=67CB2D11	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731545	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 7:55 PM	1740993486	1746233732		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/energymatterschiropractic			1.0894311829881E+14	Energy Matters Chiropractic Care	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482254043_982638473499879_2349358535430925519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jPFyL7ZSxoIQ7kNvgHcHAVv&_nc_oc=Adh6x7O2yidhkAYT90ghEYe_GplK4DpIZjiP3tIgJXS6ctbIkXa8ru6SQ-jDmyTk0UI5fv05bU1dT7KI527432u8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYDdlTjYIVXtLqzc1sZN1tfbZb2u5B4laXo6h2ShmE_W0g&oe=67CB3F40	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Energy Matters Chiropractic Care		131	https://www.facebook.com/100075636465951/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731547	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993486	1740993486		2747																										dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥Click to FREE watch more episode👉👉🎬	Signed, Sealed, Secretly Married	https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057857.html?language=en&timestamp=1740557305295&channelCode=DLLPF1057857&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480728040_639312198652241_3276331037304633945_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0AHDzlAyGMAQ7kNvgEXrVVa&_nc_oc=Adjzsu7hS7oT8cmQHvtSTG6IaCks90V2dGFjIw3NjhCUgn1LSetUnapok8JuourzzHbZ52BOWvut6a0ep5In9tvL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYCrID6f1fr2hDkd9tmRWpCfofQbtKQE8Lz7fsg0vJ-b-w&oe=67CB2F72	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336035	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731571	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993487	1740993487		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482022292_1207458500740379_4007941000692613201_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AIrSaJrGVzgQ7kNvgHrEz63&_nc_oc=Adi5NL6w9l-rAWxK74e7Y04VAvllbgypjNRuq8VUsegs1R-KYlfbJbME4z50m9ncu1mwcLN9B-WYk45Bk0sWx7AY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYAn0_kF5bYhuItpyJoTHYXiqG_r4SQQozk8a4_m95THFA&oe=67CB26B2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Watch more exciting content now! ️🤩		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336040	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731572	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 5:05 AM	1740993487	1746180315		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481024264_567032663020144_6968507743544708565_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PdaWUJEaHOQQ7kNvgGFLOzB&_nc_oc=AdjyE7qEnCrO3FsHMFZFMyvB7SAkFHNOQjCz4FuvfNPNu4rwnd37yzIMM3wdZhGh---Vjz0i5TNh7HGY_pjKBKgH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYCHrzDhbxbba7kSKRcBH_4XOs-VxswpRCyy4cRejvebFQ&oe=67CB5C63	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Watch more exciting content now! ️🤩		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336040	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731576	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 1:48 AM	1740993487	1746254929		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481699327_1290543262060549_4603707815421957754_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UyRqR5TLKCwQ7kNvgGCVPzN&_nc_oc=Adh17W7rjhlEW3nAlTok1P9E5rEJalS3-r4TVtqit-s-UeoybAjUeIGI0yLyKdHkH25kSdiK8HH0XodChe7BblkT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYC0ozRAwzu_V0aar1bGJprIl4GeqXyi7Sq7PLhyPjLs7Q&oe=67CB55B0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731578	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 5:22 PM	1740993487	1746224549		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481936610_982892240047120_7457819793983067411_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oHDo8VNWoCQQ7kNvgEZ2NH5&_nc_oc=Adjr44kFq9IjyepJGOJzZtDNuyHc9YXNYjXlIOvZ0a8Mf5_lY-zzXQV_1ITsXAczlp_kF-oTEXhyHzRg40iesnrP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYCjbPUvofoTedi9-wzespYaXle97AzFJ6Uc2yK5wdpqGg&oe=67CB40E2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731580	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 3:21 PM	1740993487	1745871665		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481076124_569637239441678_9068359623551241867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9AY0aIM3g8QQ7kNvgG5rFc1&_nc_oc=AdhcohtHpCWtQhlDrLpeFN_HZyGqSF2yOcmQtznomx6uGrOZBXy-UmZNwuQQgajSqkVfkWb_BqpdkhUgnSWom95a&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYDt8_RzrAYWU3Pm9iT6KCJ3Cfx7GZTp_GBSy2VO6IJsLA&oe=67CB3959	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731584	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 5:07 PM	1740993487	1746742034		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059453.html?language=en&timestamp=1740754137434&channelCode=DLLPF1059453&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480725748_1191882125985486_1782054041375402878_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=famEMdsrobgQ7kNvgF4rxMc&_nc_oc=AdhQD_Q5qpp1DTvpiMmxPlCEtnt0CLKRT0dND0qRKSOJxjYGhgAduPcwDHY5CIH8unOf3e8QITLPg9NRV00KxBPz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYDtj2CKVRcJrc6bSeDQG8HzsIR1EqnENpVe0SkE82GaIw&oe=67CB3B58	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15343	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731588	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 2:55 AM	1740993487	1749196537		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480792231_1164319775413464_3723839350319098233_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zM33wFz2Zu0Q7kNvgHTNtHq&_nc_oc=Adi795CdVvHXk0oAUUTFcjO8vy3r0ojiBPBXq9Zd1VNMI6Q-GqBMDHssZu8y8fT7CCiLLz0qrWZZcD5xUanUSTHT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYBJ01GRerJyJRlWnIUcYYvYpCpMvjYC4_oNLBv2otM5kg&oe=67CB5D1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731590	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 1:44 PM	1740993487	1746729853		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059505.html?language=en&timestamp=1740920053091&channelCode=DLLPF1059505&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480952457_2345516415824158_764417728199951933_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zrhyXvSNF2gQ7kNvgFUfThD&_nc_oc=AdhiVLLiU2FRnghytnkTGq6xXhGprLxm2-lZ-Jk0aWIUGsm_34hXrHl2wP2Dcxa0ffk8FTdrHkDD6JTqPKdT93eL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYBv-k7DeVhMMLwHUnQdQEpDZLO2e5fp1ZEQ9ZpGoo3aVw&oe=67CB4B11	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731594	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 12:01 PM	1740993487	1746464500		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥💟Unlock all episodes🎬		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45231&language=en&timestamp=1736337134803&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.0416902609396E+14	Shorttv APP	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481667993_1165060351696845_5970755932644830925_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FB0I2CHPE3gQ7kNvgGvs6CQ&_nc_oc=AdhhhsdzHZp2hr3ooZtq1ZjJ-qjutnFw2HvzveOflN4BUKi-PfNpHog376v5v-Rdn6YIsgeGelm2WpE4fy74gzS9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBvRSkPL-jtvg7pbAvYNsuh5pkdzedQZlEgIlOpu4g4QA&oe=67CB5223	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥💟Hidden Desires, Unspoken Words - The Drama You Can’t Miss!🎬		Shorttv APP		26229	https://www.facebook.com/100095062656787/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731597	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:14 AM	1740993487	1746882890		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480573393_611363281789167_4260300402152022160_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1uF--P5rJY0Q7kNvgGuj7ep&_nc_oc=Adg8OinQ1gBNQT70QQJq7O_LEwszVarUS1Ludc0sRpVs8ENTMyMMMKRZQDJ6FVN25oeSET1HH3BMXaoKlepiSg24&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYAiwPpQAyuHTvJY6XGiJGM49h3_e1hnbdvWLIrzVekTgQ&oe=67CB5607	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731598	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 5:58 PM	1740993487	1746917909		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👇Download Short TV to watch more series🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481267210_3968987039979545_7641839869668589136_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v5BbPn9Mo0kQ7kNvgH61i7I&_nc_oc=AdglCwYiScIGfvZVCYVSyd6o9L0xj4BFjy_VbJKFXrjd-_Mpodxcn1vYP6S8PPVOIbASC0DPvAGHNQJ0vuxSICGr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYDf5yPrVGW1B_0C2rWnhlILU38KorstvnfHLfIopX8UJg&oe=67CB258C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💟🎬When Destiny Brings Them Together, Will They Survive?🥰❣️		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731601	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993487	1740993487		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480809513_968837125229123_36196451033948347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YRu_2E52kzUQ7kNvgEYKEo5&_nc_oc=AdhGZ4dmo-hYxyXXrvoNcqplUiZQd7B0Khe3R1OD0Y2WJxBH5uvrSrKSlM1yZUAUekzlihY_1sGuvaiRFPZCoE5F&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBKnWALNn5gupRZJ4z26Vi_8rFhApwOFgOa7_bjYlcXCg&oe=67CB3EA1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731605	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 7:33 AM	1740993487	1746794003		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	From Fake to Real Love		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			4.0275171626001E+14	Eashort Moments	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481348771_653379173803674_7819392450168526833_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_LdfjAfoAHkQ7kNvgFg9Vfl&_nc_oc=Adha59RfCWcPndSaEwdu49IqebjD0jUYuqPoick64YK9oA4sgkwu734q5p_c7AFSUpsCSll8iWMx2o2vXlM6Gw-G&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYA9MjI6XgWFsQiZwzqLt0mKUzYmJe0FzbpmZZXZBNUTbw&oe=67CB52F7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fake marriage, real feelings? 💍💖 Natalie and Jasper's whirlwind romance will leave you breathless. What happens when a fake relationship turns into the love of a lifetime? Click to find out!		Eashort Moments		7	https://www.facebook.com/61565879992708/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731606	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993488	1740993488		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059453.html?language=en&timestamp=1740754137434&channelCode=DLLPF1059453&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480920013_1270343527395523_1344503353862330811_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rxUaxfWQKNAQ7kNvgELzURW&_nc_oc=Adhd2Bj04jp7WwuGO8kn2W2D5BDFIGj8WfhlvvKvMix0JaXfLMOfJ8oDKmo7YzoT177fva8dUxGA9lxNvhA9waEV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYDY_L9LRGiwT5zxLn1mc8MMYH4D2_efrUgxbLmpSlXvtg&oe=67CB2869	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731612	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 7:09 PM	1740993488	1746490194		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481196190_1829947907778572_312332923665284441_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rqo49sX9XJ4Q7kNvgFjpY5r&_nc_oc=AdhAo-6wPPhf0UzbWngxXUG9gzHJhldtqNv2wPBhPACVmGKPGpKaux68kAKojs7T5DpJLTf8Bz_zqCVCTfT7dqhT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYC1L4toW6F1r7IK70TTgBXW8v3l6waMt4Y4UtlNnJ_pfQ&oe=67CB3B4D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731614	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 12:26 AM	1740993488	1746854808		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480716438_1859934118168898_5022514247224630685_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Yij5mFEhBsQ7kNvgHoyUg-&_nc_oc=Adiy_KMEAX6ReVIu4bp3qjuE5_Fc1V2qLM1mOyq2tiuUV7jYlQMf2GR-ILPbmxhJL8m6Bzhznk3IocWXT6nETfBm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYDwlITDivPxMLKcIc48Z2Sg83HJNzetQi0HbU2Q0feCUA&oe=67CB2D01	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731619	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 5:41 PM	1740993488	1746657660		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480914107_1160062105675039_7755014496129264180_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wKHkR1yogqoQ7kNvgHLd-Sn&_nc_oc=AdhPQM-DMwrCkxvbvg5XHOlp4TrAN8CoQ5NQCjaYRzNOcw6eVMwC8owZxBS2rDjQ0i6aZdfxc02XaGCkuudmRwVB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYCS2-xuFP3VQtfL-SHQChhnRYswOZdu7GGjVeEEVx0J4A&oe=67CB49A3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		Hut001		194	https://www.facebook.com/61550056771112/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731622	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 4:46 PM	1740993488	1746740779		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481272688_1845797929569564_8156733625917203399_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jy1kjs8Oac0Q7kNvgG107vU&_nc_oc=AdjVI-haf67SHdOoUGQuBissfhyJtQKuAodzD72lI2kR3UXnYrGslytogc6zWDBWu5DGQadt4jCkPw7-fBz1bwsg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYC4SgfpdKSbkv4JSyvdJz1Ri9NmHPUY074JC0ArE-AEhg&oe=67CB2FE9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731623	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993488	1740993488		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Go to the Full Episodes Now ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=44004&language=en&timestamp=1735613037375&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.0416902609396E+14	Shorttv APP	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482023848_1340245320649455_4699186235358261167_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=umxWt-oN1EUQ7kNvgGW8JEz&_nc_oc=AdigEUElVMCOfHIkiLigcQBdxUbhkPlVGt4SBw0Irlq6PGCk1dF7WPl1KkHnApVv2od6aW3Cu8-AOyvOBXMCNieA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYBUYEVKmpzJCMQORFbnra4bf7Tr1iqyvew_nAcXdmBUgw&oe=67CB4911	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Hot, so hot.🔞 🔥Thousands of short dramas are being updated continuously...... Young master, Madam has signed a divorce agreement and flown abroad...... 👇Download ShortTV to watch more series🎬		Shorttv APP		26229	https://www.facebook.com/100095062656787/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731626	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993488	1740993488		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059507.html?language=en&timestamp=1740924870771&channelCode=DLLPF1059507&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482023756_610469285216270_5680439022185752375_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6CBP9aRvXScQ7kNvgE0N6lh&_nc_oc=AdgKCdiRU97l0BX1fAZ3mfAyTO6yetU1HcbMzthCFEHU9BqXLo2Lcek3gpy0WxbPc0yN5qrWQp6Rw_6LRAF7eHJx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYD1Z0F30Kb3QKmHeXKtHOkMvespABQIZjbKw0TH09wQjg&oe=67CB516A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336044	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731628	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 1:20 AM	1740993488	1746685245		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481248045_1664046327824186_2762646814832548778_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y5hmMk8Lb5EQ7kNvgGYtSoK&_nc_oc=Adi2T50raT40GF4RseAOEDUBEmpeiFxxD0DPkC-BkGrQupd07UmSgru5KyuQg0nZCAE5bDiSNPpAUzEw4RZkZ7Cj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYCBy-yAyvzcMn9_PNQj9-b2dreOrvwSRXKuC0RktwtkxQ&oe=67CB51C2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		Hut001		194	https://www.facebook.com/61550056771112/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731631	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993488	1740993488		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Watch more episodes on ShortMax🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			6.1632350155691E+14	Short Max	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482089726_3554297561546399_1599042096546705958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7XftM9l08RoQ7kNvgFX6kk5&_nc_oc=Adj_sBg-k9gorDNpCyRzNtI5FNmrSCuGYqqzmXt2L24E2IiihiUjfbwVNf1vAmMkVjAWd1MGfPlZzcODp9f1B_IH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYC2ljHb6JP8AVTDR_tLQP-kWIEZx9oTKGs13agzfN2CTw&oe=67CB4EEF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😹This series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! Next episode is amazing!		Short Max		44	https://www.facebook.com/61573656003603/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731633	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993488	1740993488		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=6752885d3d9eb9334300b6ca&chapterId=94nhq0qcxr&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481296119_946542690880787_473978519545764242_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8yYcYI7SR5QQ7kNvgGbbkb0&_nc_oc=Adi5TLZGhMMrPxvQ0H9Lb72gM6dCVXWRrwUIyz9OwBC8ARrYTsq7n8H9jucahvbRi9cf5k1oSzINzGZ6zrQRIjCx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYBtsFFmrYtGRSKoDzdPf0PTUUYFRyf5wCclvqdO5C42CQ&oe=67CB507D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥Victoria was set to return to Texas with her fiancé Carl to plan their wedding, but she was horrifically humiliated and betrayed by him. To save face with her family, Victoria reluctantly agrees to marry Simon, a homeless man she had been helping. Little did she know, Simon is not just any homeless man—he's a handsome and charming billionaire, the CEO of the prestigious Savage Group, ranked number one in the country. Upon returning to Texas with Simon, Victoria unexpectedly crosses paths with her arrogant ex, Carl. This time, she’s determined to reclaim all the dignity she lost. 👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series🥰		Reelshort-Video stories		618213	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731639	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993488	1740993488		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Watch more episodes👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057855.html?language=en&timestamp=1739262620902&channelCode=DLLPF1057855&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			2.4897603162939E+14	Maggie sharing	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481658144_2116989022081575_585752481404009660_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cyDaa09Kj4EQ7kNvgHNaXyZ&_nc_oc=Adi6fKnnj-XMw4yHlwo7esGIEcfjLhDcXfbuV0ZFlKcPTzMR5qIAQn-9qXFiGfrlZ8-ANSPqbgOPMx4_vZcd9bmk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYBCBBK4Kzo6Hmi5_p6C0ycllAo8FYqGogiYVHRQctmBvQ&oe=67CB34C2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		Maggie sharing		95801	https://www.facebook.com/61556715931577/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731640	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 3:24 AM	1740993488	1746692644		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Watch more episodes👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057855.html?language=en&timestamp=1739262620902&channelCode=DLLPF1057855&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			2.4897603162939E+14	Maggie sharing	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481277196_653024913757005_7318737663274622786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xe1SWLlgsBoQ7kNvgHBUwtx&_nc_oc=Adh1kKDWA1AolysxPX2Ph0z3wnSzEdRmkbN25Iws8cJcFDZHDXmuzDvm3udadoVJ0X_tfxW5I3EgYzv0o4qsnhs5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYBb5VLXHQ7XBHxdgQxVfUFvxB8PyanZ3cy5TZPcaVwDhg&oe=67CB5758	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		Maggie sharing		95801	https://www.facebook.com/61556715931577/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731643	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 3:10 PM	1740993488	1746648655		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Click to get more great content!		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			4.3972496923122E+14	Hot Dramas	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482025469_631751779588397_1188319778196170410_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nT9-E_D1hVoQ7kNvgEza3Nx&_nc_oc=AdhRgYcNz-ZVzm_nAQAuJaMHvpV5tqZoeYsPBbC3VU_WSetsILTi6iMrsqKEBndIdUxzhFaDjFLzs2zzgA1mIN8I&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYDfd9H8l-QeIWU7UQ-2VROexjpZ31iBjP69BnbgctkiHw&oe=67CB3022	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Hot Dramas		562	https://www.facebook.com/61568451867405/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731655	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 11:34 AM	1740993489	1749659654		2747																											No button			MULTI_IMAGES						1.3328206672374E+14	Simmons One Hour Heating & Air	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481081990_1355087002334914_3309932148446981506_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3ri_LyoZ64IQ7kNvgG-ZRwA&_nc_oc=Adi-1M9F7Olixr69Yhh-dumCfumnULTkiq0NvJMfJPNFveQFLPRPChkcWVLkRcJSn3Dmlj6B7fdCTnBnwCYbxbP8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYAybrQL_vxAtg9Ycm0bm0jT0VHTK9SRib39HBfbAF_O3Q&oe=67CB52D6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Multiple sclerosis may be a part of who you are, but it doesn’t define you.” Every day, people do whatever it takes to move their lives forward despite MS. What is MS? According to the MS Society, MS is a neurological condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Your immune system damages your nerve fibres, leaving patches of scar tissue, distorting or interrupting the journeys of nerve impulses. ​ Most people are diagnosed in their 40s and 50s, although it can occur at other times. Stats also show that MS is three times more common in women than it is in men. What are the symptoms? What makes MS particularly difficult to treat and support is the unpredictability of its symptoms. No two people have the same experience of the condition. Symptoms can include excessive fatigue, spasms, stiffness, and vision problems as well as cognitive problems such as short-term memory and concentration issues. Although there is no cure, there are a number of methods to manage the symptoms including medication, diet, and exercise. ​ What DO we do as a company? Every year during Derek's (diagnosed in 2012) birthday month of March we wear ORANGE shoe covers instead of our signature YELLOW shoe covers to raise awareness. Every customer that we visit during that month is encouraged to take pictures wearing their orange apparel and post those pictures on social media using the #OrangeOutMS hashtag. For every photo taken and submitted Simmons One Hour will make a $10 donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We have raised over $10,000 to date in 6 years. Welcome to the 7th annual #OrangeOutMS. See you in orange! https://www.SimmonsOneHour.com/ms		Simmons One Hour Heating & Air		4447	https://www.facebook.com/SimmonsOneHourHtgAir/	0		NO_BUTTON								View Edit Delete
2731657	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 9:26 AM	1740993489	1746455203		2747																										equi-waatch.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Keep your horse safe on the road		https://equi-waatch.com/			4.438117788206E+14	EquiWatch	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481666439_985895416975457_7526438926463523798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tEXqcz08wuAQ7kNvgGh0exS&_nc_oc=Adjg0cSfSqUJbWk8EZXW3qh2NQqZYXr-LuT_xwD2zPTtI5nwPydfjPhS5dBaIYRQyoUj8aALQSXcic8tSdOyg3l9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDmEUkJzIStHGQvsSB9JoaTlJE7cRQuBiW-H4zWCqpkKw&oe=67CB4BB7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Travel confidently with your horse—EquiWatch™ gives you full visibility during transport. Real-time monitoring, night vision, and easy setup for total peace of mind! 50% OFF! Order today .🐎		EquiWatch		466	https://www.facebook.com/61567192721318/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731656	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 3:19 PM	1740993489	1746649178		2747																										equi-waatch.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Keep your horse safe on the road		https://equi-waatch.com/			4.438117788206E+14	EquiWatch	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481073040_1915287898878648_1114967158113155902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hQ-W_24--50Q7kNvgFuPOq7&_nc_oc=Adjwa2hYFufQpO1lCAUF29wVMuzgE8OCjP-NM_ryob_cuBTPOm-GXCzQoGbXH6EzoYhnKBJgehc2hTXDKu9qqAR3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDb0QUB0Xw193Yg0hSRuzxYi7rysnKXWDv2_0ATGPTk7g&oe=67CB2576	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Travel confidently with your horse—EquiWatch™ gives you full visibility during transport. Real-time monitoring, night vision, and easy setup for total peace of mind! 50% OFF! Order today .🐎		EquiWatch		466	https://www.facebook.com/61567192721318/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731659	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:48 AM	1740993489	1749707304		2747																										fb.me	Get Offer			DCO	Transform Your Mobility with a FREE Professional Stretch – Limited Offer	Ready to stretch your limits? Join us at InMotion Wellness and feel the difference!	http://fb.me/			1.1746754806713E+14	InMotion Wellness Studio Brunswick	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/471170629_1105712801256925_2435536035930436857_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z2Makp8EIwYQ7kNvgF0o1cb&_nc_oc=Adi-9skDf2QpeLhFiUOGiD9R5SwKsz1Qq7N8nam8dDK3olqKAiG-0Pc_WK7zyqnCxcPpMT9V-SK5SuOn88tkukg1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYC9c-Y__KEviKILKUnzmNBEnp89_RcRRA9irJNYsbO58A&oe=67CB47F2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hey #InMotionWellnessFam! 🤸‍♂️ Feel like you’re missing out on your true physical potential? Step into a new stretch of life with our FREE 30-minute assisted stretch session! Perfect for anyone from fitness freaks to desk job warriors! 🧘‍♀️ 👇 Why You Can’t Miss This Offer 👇 🔄 Increased Flexibility & Enhanced Mobility 🛑 Sciatic Pain Reduction 🏋️‍♂️ Stretches Performed by Certified Motion Specialists 🎯 Tailored to Your Body’s Specific Needs 🗣️ Hear From Our Happy Stretchers: “After just one session, my back felt incredible! Highly recommend!” - James L. “I didn’t realize how stiff I was until InMotion helped. It’s a game changer!” - Sarah K. 📍 Located conveniently at 3702 Center Rd. Brunswick, OH. 44212 📅 Limited slots available! Don’t miss out on making the first move towards a pain-free, flexible life! ✨ Book Your Free Stretch Now! ✨ #InMotionWellness #FeelTheStretch #BodyMobility #PainRelief #NewYou		InMotion Wellness Studio Brunswick		367	https://www.facebook.com/inmotionwellnessstudiobrunswick/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731671	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993489	1740993489		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481160172_647378487653267_1605657727239609950_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bLrF5xbxC3sQ7kNvgE-I6m5&_nc_oc=AdjttI9dOuZxwbn_TJBku0NeFN43toftRMRGYzeng08yfP-xYrGSIuMJHZgz693077C8cvrZ3jJ-vQLM8tJRmY_s&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYCVcjuvwIpIKdh-pChvUVN4q3EGnAtK5r7oKQtp4TJqkQ&oe=67CB4AEB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731685	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 2:31 AM	1740993489	1749281498		2747																									KUEEZ ENTERTAINMENT LTD and others	www.theecofeed.com	Learn more			VIDEO	تخفيف ألم العصب الوركي 💪🏼		https://www.theecofeed.com/ar/effective-ways-get-rid-sciatica-nerve?utm_content=%D8%AA%D8%AE%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%81+%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%85+%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B5%D8%A8+%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%83%D9%8A&utm_source=fb6&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=create&ly=gsearch&mbid={{ad.id}}&ch=kscb-kyr3kh31			3.5231752797079E+14	Savvy Shopper Central	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481773938_1208130844067499_1939259041482130803_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KeyztnJgD2sQ7kNvgG_ONKg&_nc_oc=Adin9Ywymz50fqb1ij1xz8qwDfrUS4y_KlLD3G3KspYy2tLZDa0w0lafd-HiWQKa-vxaAGRAlRRWMTIOrx9Lp6XV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYAb4wmxVdM6uGwXHSYP9hh31pU2WCQEOTriSL2wCy6l9g&oe=67CB25AD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		اكتشف خيارات العلاج التي يمكن أن تساعد في تخفيف الانزعاج وتعزيز الشفاء! انقر لمعرفة المزيد! ➡️		Savvy Shopper Central		19790	https://www.facebook.com/61562420456655/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731692	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993489	1740993489		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481667972_958680266371810_842714851892035046_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xB4kXTcbRS8Q7kNvgHdq2d4&_nc_oc=Adg55MSbqt5eGtc6Np2IBwqIUDlY2C4MFpX4en4cjw1u6TPxP--qhQhmPduUuYMLVpxud3kHU4mcmM3gcfxeGC29&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYAV3enCB8ZmU51ei6Dv_1hIZsz_O2xsHhN4FhoRbwcfMw&oe=67CB55BC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731701	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 11:40 PM	1740993490	1749789614		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481239204_651288634016044_6615757469593034621_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ObfestR8hG8Q7kNvgHy-SnC&_nc_oc=Adi68DeO9AvQcWUJUIV3-sW5WdVnUBEeZt0hWCi3yHUlR61orR5tIBmK6F2q9OCdAGAEiK-3QWazf01CvAELzi27&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYBzKSWwCpyBZzzNxjvqMwFBHXEqeRhDLa9yT3xfRz8fSg&oe=67CB4C08	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336045	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731702	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993490	1740993490		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481468669_588318157502196_1807177798019462486_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t61fedR1UIsQ7kNvgF_VUiu&_nc_oc=AdhRvcWCbV4hbuzl3LT9zujkMEusGlPKxj-ZmCN4TwEvBvDLfSbqWshi6rHBsHFwYW6vORmvnPse_3mw-W6jgtie&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYAS_y96fRWLLev-JZCfW-MNMx5jQc_FP13w9L_LPrYQNA&oe=67CB586A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336045	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731705	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993490	1740993490		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481469349_495441300087486_819857327798419796_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4HYWhgnqz0gQ7kNvgGASDt3&_nc_oc=AdgaWPz5qTQCJRxN-x8kJXMBSSiLZsQq0iZ4XHDpqww8GpeIapS_Q3vgXYCpmucxZk7r4BZs-JCYs-Ehk6TYzwl2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYCuB7ePwN-18Y6-uqpcm_IY3bWKwLYcC3FBt36TdPzo_A&oe=67CB2906	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336045	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731707	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 3:49 AM	1740993490	1749890997		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481096329_1606291283586795_7374141139758528413_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AOR9UfFe0fUQ7kNvgFSbPKL&_nc_oc=Adgz6FALlHR3XmOAoVjpbYsDF31YJrwtJEMQMvHgh8_z1Zsp6wXPoNoorpZ0rOkDAph5b_c-56X_K36FWxnv7G_r&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYAEoFm6TnkrLJRGEI21nsgK1xk_-MKFvssEKACXLMhT4w&oe=67CB58F1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336049	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731715	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 3:48 PM	1740993490	1749674890		2747																										image.noveltells.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Read the Full Version👉	For seven years, I've been in a secret relationship with Castro Harrison, my brother's best friend. Just as I was hoping he'd propose, I tracked his location to a private lounge at an upscale restaurant, where I found they were joking about me.	https://image.noveltells.net/landing-page/h5-1290.html?id=1290&yy_appname=Favoread&badid={{ad.id}}			1.0715619868955E+14	FavoRead	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481283518_933104815695763_7470731765922002511_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uz373R_N76YQ7kNvgFdJrTl&_nc_oc=AdgqW-qwnKEPLuae6JN0byZYH4bcijqesDRGcbq117XC7p3rVDgscFtg-0z3N8Oplo5G7mvH3aQt53OEbemmBf0l&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYBaYQkhDWnUlyqrAdQ991kMMmYUcMKhgHi555w-t9wAYQ&oe=67CB4DBB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For seven years, I've been Castro Harrison's secret lover. Our love was hidden in the shadows, but his kisses and promises kept me willing to stay. I thought he would finally acknowledge me—until that day when I overheard him talking with his friends. It turned out I was nothing more than a substitute. That night, I finally stepped into the room he had forbidden me from entering. On the desk, there was a picture frame—inside, a photo of him and another woman locked in a tight embrace, the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background. At that moment, my heart turned completely cold. I erased every trace of myself in a single night and left without looking back. One minute before my flight took off, I sent my brother a message. "This afternoon, have the man you chose come and register the marriage." For seven years, I've been in a secret relationship with Castro Harrison, my brother's best friend. Just as I was hoping he'd propose, I tracked his location to a private lounge at an upscale restaurant, where I found they were joking about me. "Castro, now that Oriana's back from London, what are you going to do about that replacement?" Castro remained silent, his lack of response speaking volumes. The tension in the air was broken by another friend's sardonic laugh. "You've got to hand it to Castro–having the nerve to pursue William Blackwood's sister while Oriana was away. Now that you've had your fun, and Oriana's back..." "Well, Oriana deserved it after how coldly she left. A replacement was just what she needed to teach her a lesson!" ...... The next day, Castro took me to Oriana's welcome-home party at the Blackwood Estate, lavishing attention on me with an almost theatrical display of affection. But when Oriana ran out in tears, her Chanel dress stained with wine, Castro pushed me aside without a second thought and rush out. I returned home alone, my cream silk blouse ruined by scalding soup and my skin was still stinging. With trembling hands, I finally opened the door to his study---the one room he'd always declared off-limits. There, prominently displayed on his mahogany desk, was a photograph of him and Oriana in Paris, the Eiffel Tower gleaming behind their embracing figures. My heart turned to ice as I dialed my brother's number in Switzerland. "William... about that arranged marriage–I'll do it." "Aveline?" My brother's voice softened with concern, catching the unfamiliar strain in my tone. "What's wrong? This doesn't sound like you at all." A lump formed in my throat, but I forced a light laugh. "Nothing's wrong. I just realized - marriage is inevitable, isn't it? Does it really matter who it is?" "Besides," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady. "I trust your and father's judgment. Even for a business merger marriage, I know you would have vetted the candidate thoroughly." William's relief was audible through the phone. "I'm glad you're being sensible about this. When are you coming back? Would you like to meet him first before making your final decision?" "No need. The sooner we proceed, the sooner we can resolve the company's crisis. Go ahead and start planning the wedding. Let's set it for... a month from now." "Perfect! By the way, have you heard from Castro?" he coninued, "His first love is finally back in town. You should invite him to the wedding - let him share in your happiness." So William knew about Oriana too. No wonder Castro never let me tell my brother about us. I lowered my eyes, concealing the pain that threatened to spill over. "Don't bother him, Will. We're... not that close." Hearing the door unlock, I quickly said goodbye and ended the call. I looked up to find Castro leaning against the doorframe, his signature smirk playing across his lips. "Not close to whom?" "You." My honest answer only made his smirk widen as he pulled me into his arms. "Oh really?" His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Should we discuss just how 'not close' we are? All those nights together weren't close enough?" His breath was hot against my ear, and for the first time, his intimate gesture made my skin crawl instead of flutter. As I struggled, I caught sight of the lipstick stain on his collar - a shade I'd never worn. The movement aggravated my scalds, sending sharp stabs of pain through my body until tears sprang to my eyes. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you hurt?" My tears seemed to spark genuine panic in Castro. When he pushed up my sleeve and saw the angry red scalds on my wrist, his voice trembled with concern. “God, when did this happen? Why didn't you tell me you were scalded?” He seemed to have completely forgotten about the incident at the party. I remained silent, unsure whether to remind him and shatter his façade of devotion. "Stop crying, darling. Let me get some medicine for that." He stroked my hair soothingly before standing to retrieve the first aid kit, muttering as he walked. "You're still such a child sometimes, aren't you? So sensitive to pain, so quick to tears. What would you do without me?" I stared numbly at the scalds on my wrist. Yes, what would I do without him after seven years of his "protection"? But Castro... I don't want you anymore. I don't want this false love anymore! I spent a restless night, tossing and turning, my skin clammy with fever sweat on the sheets. At dawn, Castro tried to coax me out of bed. When I mumbled protests and pushed him away, he leaned in with an amused smile to kiss me. For the first time in seven years, his kiss made me flinch. My hand instinctively rose to slap him but I caught myself. Thankfully, it was just a brief peck. "Awake yet, sleeping beauty?" he teased. I turned away, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "It's Saturday. Why can't you let me sleep?" His expression softened with concern. "You were running a fever last night. Come on, we need to get you to the hospital." Though I felt better, his insistence won out and I reluctantly got dressed. In the hospital corridor, we ran into Oriana. She was hobbling along alone, clearly having injured her ankle. Castro's gentle demeanor vanished instantly. His brow furrowed with worry as he rushed to her side, steadying her with his hands. "What happened to you?" Oriana gave him a warm smile, then glanced meaningfully at me. "Just twisted my ankle. What a coincidence seeing you both here." Castro tensed, throwing me a quick, guilty look. "Ah yes, my friend's sister wasn't feeling well. Brought her in to check her fever." I was long used to this charade. From the moment Castro decided to keep our relationship secret, he'd introduced me to all his friends as his best friend's sister who he'd promised to look after. Only his innermost circle knew the truth about us. "You're such a good guardian to the poor girl." Oriana nodded sympathetically. Well, don't let me keep you - my appointment's down that way." She gestured toward a clinic door further down the hall. When she started to hop again, Castro didn't hesitate. He swept her up into his arms bridal-style. "Let me take you there." he said eagerly, "Aveline, wait here for me, alright?" Watching them, something inside me crumbled. My fever seemed to return full force, leaving me weak and dizzy. I leaned against the cold hospital wall, not bothering to respond. The stark white corridor suddenly felt endless and empty, much like my future without him. Castro didn't wait for my response - he was already carrying Oriana toward the clinic, her arms wrapped around his neck. How telling. No matter how well he played his part, his true feelings always surfaced around Oriana, betraying everything he tried to hide. Yet he seemed completely oblivious to his own transparency. I let out a bitter laugh and headed to my own appointment. My suspicions were confirmed - my temperature was 106°F. The doctor explained that my untreated scalds, combined with emotional stress, had led to an infection. I needed immediate IV antibiotics. My finger hovered over Castro's number out of habit before I caught myself. Habits really are terrifying things, aren't they? With a self-deprecating smile, I handled everything alone - getting the prescription and finding the IV treatment room. After the treatment, I felt even worse, nearly collapsing as I tried to walk. However, Castro hadn't returned - not even a text or call. Reluctantly, I called him. "You're still at the hospital?" He sounded surprised. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I was going to drop Oriana home quickly and come back, but her stomach condition flared up and..." But his explanation was cut short by a waitress's voice in the background: "Sir, your meals are served. Buon apetite!" Despite his rushed attempt to muffle the phone, I heard every word. "It's fine. I can handle on my own!" I said, as much to convince myself as him. Before I could hang up, he called out, "Aveline, go home first. I'll explain everything later." What was there to explain? Just another lie to add to his collection. I ended the call and ordered an Uber home. Castro didn't return that night. Unable to sleep through the New Year's fireworks outside, I worked on some jewelry designs for my clients on my iPad. Accidentally touching the messaging app icon, I saw Oriana's social media post from an hour ago - a stunning photo of fireworks lighting up the night sky, captioned: "After years of wandering, I've come home to you. The fireworks welcome me back, just as brilliant as your love. Worth every moment of waiting." I stared at the screen for a long moment before realizing I was logged into Castro's account on my iPad. I had no interest in reading their intimate messages. I logged out immediately, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in my heart. The next morning, feeling somewhat better, I arrived at the design firm right on time. Sarah, my creative director, held my resignation letter with mixed emotions when I told her about returning home for marriage. "First my best jewelry designer leaves for marriage," she sighed, shaking her head. "The studio won't be the same without you." Words failed me, so I hugged her instead, grateful for her mentorship over the years. News of my departure spread quickly through the office. My colleagues insisted on throwing me a farewell dinner. I suggested the Italian restaurant Castro and I frequented - partly because I didn't know many others, but mostly because their seafood risotto was exceptional. During dinner, I excused myself to the wash my hand, only to find Oriana touching up her makeup at the marble vanity. "What a coincidence!" She smiled warmly at my reflection. "You know, Castro first brought me here during our college days. We've had so many special moments in this place since then." I returned a polite smile and turned to leave, seeing no reason for small talk between us. But Oriana wasn't finished. She called after me, "I noticed something the other night - Castro always rinses the spicy sauce off your shrimp. Are you sensitive to spice too?" That single word - "too" - made me freeze. The truth was, I loved spicy food. But Castro always insisted on rinsing my shrimp, claiming spicy food wasn't ladylike. I'd believed he was being protective. Now I realized he was simply acting on habit. It’s Oriana, who couldn't handle spice. Seeing my silence, she tilted her head, studying my face with unsettling intensity. "You know, I've been meaning to say this since I first saw you... Don't you think we look remarkably similar?" I'd never felt more humiliated. Under her triumphant gaze, I fled the bathroom, the pieces finally falling into place - I hadn't been his love, I'd been her replacement. Back in the private dining room, my colleagues' warmth slowly thawed my frozen state. Just as I was beginning to push aside the unpleasant encounter, the door swung open. Castro stood in the doorway, his Armani suit slightly disheveled, his eyes scanning the crowded room before landing on me with laser focus. In that moment of eye contact, I saw barely contained rage in his expression, though I couldn't fathom why. "Aveline." His voice cut through the chatter like ice. "A word?" Following him into the marble-lined hallway, I was utterly unprepared for what happened next. His hand connected with my cheek in a sharp crack that echoed off the pristine walls. In seven years, he had never raised a hand to me. "How dare you push Oriana?" Meeting my shocked gaze, he showed no remorse - only fury. "You knew her ankle was injured. I told you I'd explain everything later - is this your way of getting revenge?" My cheek stung where he'd struck me. Oriana limped toward us from down the hallway. Her designer blouse was rumpled and stained with water. Before I could defend myself, she collapsed dramatically to the floor. Castro shoved past me, rushing to gather her in his arms. "Why did you follow us? I told you I'd bring her to apologize," he said to Oriana, his harsh words belied by his tender tone. Oriana shook her head, tears glistening. "It's nothing serious. She probably didn't mean it. Don't be so hard on her." "If William finds out you struck his sister..." she added softly. At the mention of my brother, something flickered in Castro's eyes. But looking at Oriana, his resolve hardened. "William trusted me with her care," he said firmly. "If she needs correction, that's my responsibility." I let out a bitter laugh. "What exactly did I do? Even criminals get due process. You're denouncing and striking me without any evidence - doesn't that seem unjust to you?" Castro's fists clenched as he glared at me. "You knew there were no cameras in the restroom. That's why you chose to attack her there." The absurdity of it all made me want to laugh and cry simultaneously. "If there were no cameras, how can you be so sure it was me?" "Because Oriana wouldn't lie!" He took a step toward me, his cologne - the one she'd given him years ago, I now realized - overwhelming. "What possible reason would she have? I've known her for years. She's not capable of that kind of deception." I met his gaze, unflinching. "So I must be the liar then?" Seven years together. I'd thought that would mean something - that Castro would at least trust my character. But in Oriana's presence, those seven years might as well have been seven minutes. “Her word alone was enough to convict me. One accusation, and I was guilty beyond redemption.” The favoritism was unmistakable, his blind devotion to her undeniable. And me? I was just the understudy who'd forgotten her place. There was no point in arguing further. Ignoring Castro's angry calls, I walked away, my cheek still stinging from his slap. Not wanting to cast a shadow over my colleagues' celebration, I quietly settled the bill and texted them: "Something came up. Please enjoy the rest of the evening - dinner's on me." Back home, I found myself really seeing our apartment for the first time in seven years. Every corner held memories: the window seat where we'd shared Sunday morning coffee, the kitchen island where he'd taught me to make his grandmother's tiramisu. What once felt magical now felt poisonous, each memory a thorn in my heart. I found a moving box and spent the night methodically erasing our relationship: the matching "Beauty and Beast" slippers, the "his and hers" coffee mugs that fit together, and a whole collection of professional couple photographs - holiday cards, vacation shots, carefully staged moments of perfect happiness. These had been my security blanket, my proof that what we had was real. Now they were just artifacts of an elaborate performance. Castro didn't come home for two weeks. Between finishing my last jewelry designs,, I systematically emptied the apartment. I sold or donated every piece of furniture I'd chosen, every decorative touch I'd added. The space returned to its original state: stark minimalist, black and white, emptiness echoing off the walls. The night before my departure, I tried calling him one last time. Each attempt met with immediate rejection. Finally, a text appeared: "Unless you're ready to admit your guilt and properly apologize to Oriana, we have nothing to discuss." I laughed bitterly at my phone's screen. So be it. Some conversations were better left unsaid. My early morning flight beckoned. As I wheeled my suitcase out, this space that had once felt so precious now felt like a prison I was finally escaping. Just before boarding, my phone lit up with birthday wishes. Friends and colleagues sending hopes for my future, wishes for happiness, prayers for true love. I responded to each one before switching off my phone. As the plane lifted off, I made a silent promise to myself: I would be happy. With so many people wishing me well, how could I not be? 【5909】		FavoRead		1151	https://www.facebook.com/100083109648305/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731718	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993490	1740993490		2747																										carrentalcoach.simplero.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉Build A Profitable Car Rental Business		https://carrentalcoach.simplero.com/funnel/21183			1.8518888466818E+14	Car Rental Coach	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217262_1011094294259499_3204901399012588700_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j3MYRA0TREUQ7kNvgGnnkzp&_nc_oc=AdiMlB8p5MwhBmnUfnxboRpCONWnH_VlnLNCB7Iix8NYIMD_wNG3pWaSqdyhwpPYL7w7YKWzrJzVloRa_6dQBirE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYCybENKGCSsCW9em52tHHNMiRa5vMJBLB7CGcRDdIpZFQ&oe=67CB4EC1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Launching a car rental business is not for beginners… …if you don’t know what you’re doing. When we launched our first car rental business, we made every mistake in the book. It cost us YEARS to learn how to make money consistently by renting cars. Some months were good… While in others we barely broke even. And yet, we managed to build a fleet of 56 cars... That rent out for an average of 25 days a month! But you don’t have to take the same route as we did… We can coach you on how to make passive income through car rental in a FRACTION of what it took us. We made all the mistakes… So you can do it better, faster, and without all the hassle. 👇Click below to see if you qualify for personalized training. https://carrentalcoach.simplero.com/funnel/21183		Car Rental Coach		242	https://www.facebook.com/61553261200210/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731724	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 7:41 AM	1740993490	1746794512		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481457056_1672583746985898_1255138485684052446_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=axEfNduMarcQ7kNvgEeo4d1&_nc_oc=AdhAkM8QQ8T6TBO2j4nuvUGwuAUVckY2ZDO9pQFAGKua1goOKwlVoNrn7lVpp2-8nOnwnl8p5ksuJ_ylGkXPxrAo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYAWg7k45AbFLXvMBc0cOa2vamp4BeSAuJ5Sn5J4SDpH4g&oe=67CB3105	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731727	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993490	1740993490		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480948815_1684358012429839_1963343674109221837_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GVZ7A1mNyzgQ7kNvgEPoQRC&_nc_oc=AdgdqfyWVQwg89MVYX-FoPBEjQ8Acelce_7GoaySRODGBfo-YtW0OLD8h0wz_Z3BjVFO1BMubZn-mZMoptFMhJe3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYAHcbY9K5Tw7KSL4-Gye1xxbqXxaNBsfY3BGfwnYf5xqA&oe=67CB4C65	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731732	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 2:46 AM	1740993490	1745826391		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480711466_3812591325620207_228704405564292819_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GLxRtNmbrukQ7kNvgHrxd6d&_nc_oc=AdgMau3EtYKd7ZL0yUVTW_pWfWKFMFPutscJus7BeDVGZZuiuKbebtsqzPP2UggSyleUh2bqHJ3dX6Jfk0Udetdy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYCu7LnoSAPjd5RgFasNaykNnXZBJOe0mKNXUMlgSWu39Q&oe=67CB373D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731731	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993490	1740993490		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481244915_1165283731704563_1838438267757912435_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9SuIl8wxxjoQ7kNvgGBmtBg&_nc_oc=Adh6fmRBv40nKRByQoh4wxZWYlBvIDMywrZFRQeF9g0R-1mK0InlVka8wiouUmSIFq2iM2BMC7DuYB_hDT7oOzTS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYAfQTa4X_FummPiiRJzJdbTuXI1NoPYqOsk8s8WwPOdwg&oe=67CB28B4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731736	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 10:43 PM	1740993490	1746675793		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481266560_1961804274342286_7418742237480296989_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Be57Dbgx2YQ7kNvgHpU2vI&_nc_oc=AdhP7-iMzbr4chPL4NzmbWwqYMdffd-WCAFn9NL1rrFYEorJ0yFYhUlCrubHTWyAX4mQAdvDYIt0KDb_KJYoZZ2K&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYC0QD6Pi0aI0FERZlgQG-9_ZtSiYGtS-iZrWOkodOt7Rw&oe=67CB37E4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731738	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993490	1740993490		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480740717_963214885917093_7994411182002100547_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HJ7X-2maiKIQ7kNvgGgi0Oo&_nc_oc=Adg9ImYg6vCBztqZi8m6RQ_u1MoJlodP6UKzoX8-ds8moPF0KzimYJWZoasm9XKSRPutYANK1dvHBdUamaP3Pw3h&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYB0uimjEJetfuWxSUTB6tDFn6Q6LWQ9Pf8Sh8U0A5iZGw&oe=67CB54C9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731747	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 11:42 AM	1740993490	1746722532		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481210518_2278425395877299_1965820222252774880_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j2xOmaVfh7AQ7kNvgFhX-XV&_nc_oc=Adh2veMDS2j5Mhab-bdDJV_qVLkDlJ4iQp_g2ObCXK7vqU3Z7wvh-AAHjJEKwXOCrD1UctG7FoPXp4PbFRmzsI0_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYCRPG6KzcUWlflxKxXi9t8JvSmREExGvVS47C1o-SLFDw&oe=67CB5108	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731756	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 10:12 AM	1740993491	1746717153		2747																										www.novel-oasis.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules📜		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/fwjibt1jfi3mkphu4rk4uebe?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217146022620690&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0044243922423E+14	Novel Yang Booming	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481253608_961929342798761_6603860306225002610_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rWEPXNy72QQQ7kNvgFiFqAR&_nc_oc=AdhVWKtGBxEhn5jAb7lZjMBN5HbJtM8BSRvHvsdW1YAomUI7U_7Xsytu42L7HN3W104AlpdC6mE-nUdBdKlSv21R&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYDPLZdPHuK69gWVYFlMc61eE9L1SoMRgZ5sB3KxrH_EvQ&oe=67CB2920	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat. Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. 'Does this mean... I'm gonna be fired?' she wondered. Ellison Grant's piercing gaze met hers. "We're getting married. I'll take responsibility." Her mind went blank. 'Since when did successful men become so old-fashioned? One night together, and he's already talking marriage?' she thought. ***** "Joycelyn, you're now twenty-six. Don't tell me you're still a virgin?" The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn's mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall. Having never been kissed, she'd dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming intoxication. Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung inward. Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow. Joycelyn blinked in confusion. 'Why is he in my room?' she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. 'This has to be a dream.' "Is there something on my face?" His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire. "Mhmm." The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy. Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore's whispered words. "A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed," Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life. Joycelyn's tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. 'If I can't have him in real life,' she thought, 'at least I can enjoy this dream.' She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. "Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky." Her lips curved into a playful smile. "Care to test that theory?" The air crackled between them as their eyes locked. Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control slipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. "Is this what you want? Huh?" he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yes," she breathed, the word barely a whisper. Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close, his features were even more striking than the glimpses she'd caught at the office. She found herself tracing every perfect line with her gaze—from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted lips. Her expression shifted from seductive to innocent as their eyes met again. The way she looked at him—he knew exactly what was going on. In one fluid motion, he took control, pressing her against the wall. His fingers guided her hand to his belt, his voice husky with restraint. "Help me with this." Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise. Her heart thundered in her chest. The kiss was both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his buttons and zipper, following his lead. Perhaps because she believed it was a dream, there was no pain—only pleasure. Under his gentle guidance, she even found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender and skilled, though his stamina proved overwhelming. ***** The next morning, Joycelyn drifted between sleep and wakefulness as footsteps approached. 'Why does this dream feel so real?' she wondered, her brow furrowing as Ellison's voice reached her ears. Reality crashed in as she opened her eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V-line disappearing beneath white terry cloth. Memories of the night before flooded her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away just as quickly. "Mr. Grant! Why are you here?" She clutched the sheets tighter. "Last night, we... we..." The words stuck in her throat as his eyes studied her flustered expression. "What exactly are you trying to ask?" He was curious. "I mean, last night, did we..." Her tongue tied itself in knots. "We did." His simple confirmation hit her like a thunderbolt. Clinging to one last thread of hope, she stammered, "But did we actually..." "Yes, we did," he replied firmly. Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the sudden silence. "Having regrets now?" His expression remained unreadable. She wrestled with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping with her direct superior? That was career suicide. "Well, Mr. Grant," she began carefully, "I was drunk last night and barely remember anything. We're both adults—can't we just forget this and go back to normal?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he studied her. "You're still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?" Catching sight of the hickeys she'd left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. "Then at least turn around so I can get dressed." Instead, he moved toward the bed, his weight making the mattress dip. Her breath caught as his handsome face loomed over hers. She tried to retreat, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. In their struggle, the sheet slipped to her waist. Skin met skin, sending tingles of electricity through her body. A shiver ran down her spine. "Mr. Grant—" Her protest died in her throat. Her heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made him more irresistible. "You said you couldn't remember anything," he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers. "Then let me refresh your memory." Her blush deepened as she tried to look anywhere but at him. A glimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well-equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible to contain. His masculine form pressed against her once more. His teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. "Mr. Grant!" She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her. Now fully sober, she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat—they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much longer, her colleagues would surely notice. But he seemed intent on taking his time. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Soon," he promised. She was losing her mind. Biting her lip, she fought to contain the embarrassing sounds threatening to escape. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by the sound of executives laughing in the hallway. "Mr. Grant, lunch is ready. We'll be departing for the office afterward," a voice called out. Joycelyn grabbed this chance like a lifeline. "Mr. Grant, we need to go. We can't be late, and it would be terrible if anyone found out." Her earlier boldness had vanished completely, replaced by panic. Frustration flickered across Ellison's features at the interruption. Rolling away, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a call. A ringtone sounded from the hallway. Taking advantage of the distraction, Joycelyn clutched the sheet to her chest. Spotting a white shopping bag with women's clothing beside the bed, she snatched it up and hurried to the bathroom. "Go ahead without me." He spoke into the phone. "I'll be down shortly." The voices outside soon faded away. Joycelyn dressed as quickly as possible, wincing slightly at her tender muscles. As she emerged, another phone rang in the room. Ellison was buckling his belt when he reached for it. "Yes?" Joycelyn froze in the bathroom doorway, noticing that was her phone in his hand. She lunged forward in panic, forgetting her soreness. Her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled. Still on the call, Ellison caught her effortlessly with one arm. "Hello?" He spoke into the phone. Joycelyn snatched it away, ending the call. Her stomach dropped as she saw the caller ID—Selene Whitmore. Meanwhile, in the hallway outside Joycelyn's room, Selene exchanged shocked looks with their coworkers. "Did a man just answer Joycelyn's phone?" She paused, eyes widening. "And that sexy voice... it sounded exactly like Mr. Grant." .............................................................................. Joycelyn stared at her vibrating phone, her nerves jangling as Selene's name flashed across the screen. She shot up like a startled rabbit, her usual composure shattering. "This is a disaster. They must be suspicious." Her typically clear head spun as she faced this unprecedented situation, her delicate features pinched with worry. Ellison extended his hand for her phone. "What are you doing?" Her face crumpled with alarm as she instinctively pulled back. "Let me handle it," he said, his deep voice brooking no argument. Though she resisted, his commanding presence made her fingers loosen their grip. "Just... don't say anything weird," she pleaded, watching with bated breath as he answered. "This is Ellison Grant. I found this phone last night and will have my assistant return it shortly." His gaze swept over her anxious face. "As for the owner..." Joycelyn's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, terrified that one wrong word would destroy her career. His deliberate pause had her muscles coiling with tension. Her eyes desperately telegraphed: 'Say something—anything!' Noting her distress, he deliberately prolonged the moment, privately amused by her reaction. His lips curved slightly as he continued smoothly, "I'm unaware of her whereabouts." Relief flooded through her. She'd narrowly escaped catastrophe. "I'll have the phone delivered to your colleague." After hanging up, he set it beside his own. "Okay, so when should I go downstairs?" She raised worried eyes to his. "Won't people notice?" Her cheeks burned with mortification. Already shy about romantic matters, sleeping with her boss made her want to crawl into a hole and disappear. He studied her expression carefully, maintaining his composure while she fidgeted. "Everyone's in the restaurant now. Wait here and leave later," he said calmly. "Okay." She perched on the bed's edge, twisting her fingers together. Without hesitation, he began dressing right in front of her. His model-worthy physique and chiseled features moved with practiced elegance. Each glimpse of him sent her heart racing. 'Selene wasn't wrong,' she thought. 'These cool, composed types really are something else behind closed doors.' "I'll take responsibility for this," he stated while fastening his buttons. Her head snapped up in surprise before she shook it vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not! We're both adults—this was mutual. You don't need to take it to heart." She was just an ordinary office worker fresh out of college, while he was a powerful and wealthy man—way out of her league. She repeated variations of "no need," her expression screaming resistance. His brow furrowed slightly. Her reaction made him wonder if he seemed like some villain forcing himself on an innocent girl. "But I'm serious," he emphasized. "So am I! Let's just never mention this again. My only request is that no one else finds out." She dropped her gaze to her feet, wilting under his intense stare. After studying her silently, he relented. "Fine. I'll head down first." "Mm-hmm." Her relief at his departure was palpable. He cast her a final glance before leaving with both phones. Alone at last, she flopped onto the bed with a groan, pummeling the comforter in frustration. "You've lost your mind, Joycelyn! Of all the men in the world, you had to sleep with Ellison?" After wallowing sufficiently, she reasoned enough time had passed for her colleagues to be downstairs. She washed her face, donned a mask, and carefully checked the hallway. Finding there was no one outside, she slipped out quietly, opting for the emergency stairs over the elevator. Linda Lorne stood by the stairwell, frowning as she watched Joycelyn emerge from Ellison's suite. After descending several flights, Joycelyn reached her room and quickly packed. She loaded her luggage onto the bus before heading to the dining hall. As a Fortune 500 powerhouse, Grant Group employed countless talented individuals. Though brilliant women filled its ranks, Joycelyn stood out. Her presence was like morning mist—ethereal, pure, refreshing—carrying an enigmatic grace that set her apart. Sharp-eyed Selene spotted her immediately. "Joycelyn, over here!" she called, waving enthusiastically. As Joycelyn returned the wave, she felt an intense gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she met Ellison's eyes. His sculpted profile and penetrating gaze—the same eyes that had devoured her the night before—sent her pulse racing. 'Why is he still at the entrance?' she wondered. 'Wasn't he supposed to be downstairs already?' "Sweetie, are you still drunk?" Selene asked, rushing over to link arms. "You're walking funny." "Oh, I twisted my ankle in these heels yesterday," Joycelyn mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. After last night's abandon and this morning's encore, her legs felt like jelly. "Hmm..." Selene's knowing smirk widened. "One night away and you're all shy like a blushing flower." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Don't tell me you got tipsy and jumped our Mr. Grant? That walk screams 'too many positions, too much fun.'" She had a sly grin plastered on her face, as if to say, "You can't fool me, I've got my eye on you." Joycelyn nearly collapsed at her friend's astute observation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed, her face flaming. "People can hear you!" Seeing Joycelyn's unusual embarrassment only encouraged Selene further. "Am I wrong? You got drunk, ran into our gorgeous boss, and thought 'I'm 26 and still haven't experienced a man.' Next thing you know..." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "That would explain why he answered your phone this morning!" Joycelyn's already scarlet face darkened further. Each of Selene's guesses hit frighteningly close to home. "That's ridiculous," she protested weakly. "What romance novel are you living in?" Noting Joycelyn's guilty yet defensive expression, Selene's grin widened. She spotted Ellison approaching, surrounded by executives. "If you won't tell me, I'll just ask Mr. Grant himself." Selene raised her hand in greeting. "Hi, Mr. Grant!" Joycelyn's heart stopped as she stared at the approaching Adonis, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She worried that if Selene brought it up, he would use the chance to expose their fling and make her "take responsibility." Her stomach dropped as she realized her carefully constructed denial was about to come crashing down. .............................................................................. "Last night—" Selene began, but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward, cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison. "Thank you for finding my phone, Mr. Grant," she interjected smoothly. "Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable. I can't tell you how grateful I am." Joycelyn's matter-of-fact attitude and effusive thanks over a mere phone made Selene's words die in her throat as she stared in confusion. "Just a small matter," Ellison murmured, his gaze flickering momentarily. "We shouldn't keep you from your meal. Please, go ahead, Mr. Grant." Joycelyn tugged Selene aside, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes. Her gaze locked with his, silently pleading for his discretion. After several long beats of eye contact, he moved toward the dining table without another word. Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath, her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments. Selene had intended to gossip, but she found herself completely captivated by Ellison's charm. "God, he's even more stunning up close," she sighed, watching him go. "Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star." A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn. "If your parents knew what was going on in your head, they'd probably blow a gasket!" "Whatever." Selene rolled her eyes. "Let's eat. I need to get home to my man." Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food-loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes, dropping all questions about the previous night. The retreat ended after lunch. While executives took their luxury cars, staff boarded the company bus. From her window seat, Joycelyn's thoughts drifted until Selene's squeal snapped her attention forward. "Look! Mr. Grant's Rolls-Royce is incredible." Selene pressed her face to the glass. "Why couldn't I be so lucky? I wouldn't mind snagging a guy that hot and rich!" Studying the million-dollar vehicle, Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds. Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother. Before the retreat, her family had attempted to set her up with a short, older man offering a hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift. She'd refused, hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts. Instead, the marriage pressure had only intensified. To delay the inevitable confrontation, Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home. Taking a steadying breath outside her door, she turned the key. The scene inside stopped her cold—her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch. "Who threw my things?" Joycelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Look who finally graced us with her presence," her stepsister Octavia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game. Joycelyn's stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down his cigarette on the balcony and stormed in, his palm cracking across her face. "We raised you, and this is how you repay us?" he roared. "We found you a good match with a generous offer, and you stood him up. Where were you? Out whoring around until this hour?" Only her mother's intervention prevented a second blow. The harsh slap left Joycelyn's cheek throbbing, her eyes wide with disbelief. For years, she'd endured their abuse and insults, surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month. Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle. Something inside her snapped. She swung her bag at his face with all her strength. "How dare you hit me! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me!" "Your father's dead!" Phineas stumbled back, spitting the words. "I'm your father now. If I hadn't pitied you and your mother, I wouldn't have taken in such worthless burdens." "You dare?" Ice crystallized in Joycelyn's voice as she stood tall, unflinching. "I worked my way through college with loans and part-time jobs. My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you. Who's the real burden here?" Her entire frame vibrated with rage. "You manipulated my mother into signing over my father's house. You'd be on the street without us!" The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering he'd caused. .............................................................................. "Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker. Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?" "God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods." Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?" Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family. "Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter. "Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room. "Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?" Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore." "Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed. "My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas. "Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!" Something died in Joycelyn's heart as she watched her mother's passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. "Don't worry, I'm going." Her defiance caught Phineas off guard. "And don't bother coming back!" he shouted at her retreating form. With no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the elevator. ***** Rain hammered the streets as Joycelyn came out. She plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame. Lightning split the sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father's life. Finding shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task. Her eyes burned from all the crying as she checked her phone—5% battery. 'They say God never closes a door without opening a window,' she thought bitterly. 'But my life's just one slammed door after another.' With a hollow laugh, she pulled up the company directory and found Ellison's contact. Her fingers moved before her brain could object, sending a message..[Mr. Grant, I'm Joycelyn Maynard. Does your marriage offer from this afternoon still stand?] The moment she hit send, self-loathing crashed over her. She'd rejected him twice today already; she had no reason to think he would agree to help her now. .............................................................................. Ellison stood by his grandmother's hospital bed, concern cracking his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the oxygen mask. His phone's vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen—his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He then sent a one-word response. [Yes.] The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up? We need to talk.] His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn't the worst option. She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery. 'If he comes, I'll marry him,' she decided. 'If not, be it.' As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother's fragile grasp caught him. "You stubborn boy," Isolde Grant whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you, Grandma. I've found someone—we're getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?" His voice held rare tenderness. Hope flickered in Isolde's tired eyes. "Really?" She struggled to sit up. Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. "Really. I'm going to get her now. You'll meet her in the morning. Rest now." "Promise you're not lying to me." "Never." The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite. After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out. "Mr. Grant, there's a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn't be safe for you to drive," the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave. "It's fine." Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lot. His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel, driving toward its destiny. Fierce wind battered Joycelyn's small frame beneath the bus shelter. She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real protection. Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain hammered the roof like buckshot while trees thrashed in the gale. Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car approached through the pouring rain. The Maybach pulled up smoothly. Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm's fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him—lost, hurt, like an abandoned kitten in the storm. "Get in," he said simply, taking her suitcase. His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered, swollen eyes meeting his. Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze. Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. "Inside. Now." She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip. The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against his chest. His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain. "Are you hurt?" she asked, voice tight with worry. "It's nothing." Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety. Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from chaos. "You must be injured. Let me look at your arm," she insisted, remembering the metallic crash. "Home first," he said curtly without much explanation. The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage. "Here we are." He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm. "Mr. Grant?" Her voice came congested from the cold. "Shouldn't we discuss terms?" She stood by the car door, her reddened eyes watching him with uncertainty. "Change your clothes first." He carried her suitcase and strode toward the elevator. She followed like a shadow, head down—worlds away from last night's bold drunk girl. He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him waiting for her. "State your terms," he said, authority rolling off him. "Or we do this my way." Sniffling, she spoke directly. "Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six months to a year. Separate bedrooms." Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, "You... you said you'd take responsibility." They both knew she had no leverage. "First three points accepted. We'll discuss divorce later." He tilted her chin up. "Explain the separate rooms." Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, "I want my own space, in case you... in case..." Her pale face flamed crimson as words failed. His subtle smile and rain-slicked hair radiated raw magnetism. "In case I want you, I come to your room?" His deep voice held dangerous promise. "Is that what you're trying to say?" .............................................................................. "Well, if there's a need, both of us should cooperate," Joycelyn murmured, her cheeks flushing pink. "Okay, let's go," Ellison said, his voice steady and sure. He turned and walked toward the elevator, Joycelyn trailing behind him, her heart pounding. As they stepped inside, Joycelyn kept her head down, her wet hair dripping onto the floor. She looked like a lost puppy, shivering and small behind his commanding presence. Despite his expensive suit being soaked and her broken suitcase in hand, Ellison maintained an air of calm composure as if nothing could ruffle him. Relief washed over her. He had pulled her out of despair, after all. No woman could resist being cared for in her darkest moments, even if they both had their own motives. "We're here," he announced as the elevator doors opened. He carried her suitcase out, glancing back at the girl, who still stood there, dazed. "Oh," she murmured, quickly following him. The villa was stunning, with cool gray tones that made the space feel crisp and refreshing, much like Ellison himself. Every detail was meticulously crafted, like a piece of art. She had never entered such a beautiful, spacious home before. "The guest room hasn't been used. I'll get you bedding from my room. Go take a shower and change your clothes," he said, handing the suitcase to her. His every word carried the authority of a superior. His voice was cool and commanding, brooking no argument. She didn't dare look at him, only nodding obediently. "Okay." She dragged the suitcase with its broken wheel into the guest room. The space boasted a new bed and sofa, far nicer than her small room at home. Clean and bright, it was several times larger than her previous space, with its own bathroom. She felt a flutter of excitement. Opening the suitcase, she froze. No wonder it felt so heavy—the broken case had let water seep in. All her clothes were soaked. She rummaged through everything, finding nothing wearable. "All wet?" he asked, looking at her suitcase. She bit her lip in frustration. "Yeah, I'll use a hairdryer later." "I'll get you something to wear," he said and left the room. She crouched on the floor, watching his soaked pant legs, her heart racing. Her skin felt hot enough to dry her wet clothes by body heat alone. As she gathered her clothes to wash, he returned with a black shirt. "Use my bathroom. There's no hot water or shower gel here," he said. She looked at the black shirt, lifting her wet face to reveal red, swollen eyes filled with timidity. She stood there gazing at him, clearly hesitating. "Don't catch a cold. I'll help wash your clothes," he said, tossing the shirt at her and scooping up everything from the suitcase. The strength difference between them was stark—she had struggled to lift them. Watching his wet figure, her face flushed deeper. Holding the black shirt, she hesitated but remembered his gentlemanly behavior. 'We're not even officially married yet,' she thought. 'He should still behave.' But she misjudged how men could be. Or perhaps Ellison misjudged his own limits. He put her clothes in the washing machine along with his shirt. Returning, he saw her cautiously moving toward his room. His clear eyes narrowed slightly. She entered the master bedroom in amazement. 'Money sure is good,' she thought. His bedroom alone was as big as a three-bedroom apartment. Unsure where the bathroom was, she stood there, dazed. Ellison approached from behind. As she pushed open the bathroom door, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her inside. The door closed with a soft click. She stood there wet and sticky, looking up at him in shock. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered. The previously composed man was now shirtless, standing in the bathroom with her. "To avoid catching a cold, we'll shower together," he said calmly, making her blush deeply. "No, you go first. I'll wait," she struggled to escape. Ellison, seeing her embarrassment, let go but lifted her onto the counter, standing close. "Embarrassed?" he asked. "No." She shook her head, water dripping from her hair onto her pale face, making her look soft and vulnerable. He cupped her face. "You bit and scratched me yesterday. Today, you'll wash me as punishment. Fair, right?" His deep voice in the quiet bathroom was mesmerizing. She blushed deeply, her eyes flickering over his bare chest. He had a perfect body, tall and well-built. Rainwater dripped from his hair, tracing the contours of his muscular frame, down his throat, and across his broad chest. She saw the bite mark she had left in retaliation for the pain he had caused her. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen a man so closely. She couldn't look away, her eyes lingering on his wet, defined abs, remembering the feel of his hard muscles. Her body grew hot. He took in her every expression. "Don't I look better without clothes? Hmm?" She covered her face with embarrassment. "I don't want to answer that." He carried her under the shower, the warm water making her already hot skin even hotter. He guided her hand to his pants. "Help me take them off."		Novel Yang Booming		113	https://www.facebook.com/100077426966140/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731758	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 9:38 PM	1740993491	1746758307		2747																										www.novel-oasis.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules📜		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/fwjibt1jfi3mkphu4rk4uebe?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217146022620690&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0044243922423E+14	Novel Yang Booming	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481704004_2231346233928129_9194603707019749574_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6V_mdbeIeMkQ7kNvgFzHVx_&_nc_oc=AdiSqIrel78Qczu20Bw1zpDK1pRReIz2_XkOJoYRID1sTs_tEiZwHhGkypW5OMeaqEThjbVfI54DyTf6gwzdKLI9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYD8m73dIdMG1kI3ARwknINtClw79gVaCn1OoXSbqknN_Q&oe=67CB587F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat. Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. 'Does this mean... I'm gonna be fired?' she wondered. Ellison Grant's piercing gaze met hers. "We're getting married. I'll take responsibility." Her mind went blank. 'Since when did successful men become so old-fashioned? One night together, and he's already talking marriage?' she thought. ***** "Joycelyn, you're now twenty-six. Don't tell me you're still a virgin?" The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn's mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall. Having never been kissed, she'd dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming intoxication. Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung inward. Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow. Joycelyn blinked in confusion. 'Why is he in my room?' she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. 'This has to be a dream.' "Is there something on my face?" His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire. "Mhmm." The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy. Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore's whispered words. "A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed," Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life. Joycelyn's tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. 'If I can't have him in real life,' she thought, 'at least I can enjoy this dream.' She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. "Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky." Her lips curved into a playful smile. "Care to test that theory?" The air crackled between them as their eyes locked. Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control slipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. "Is this what you want? Huh?" he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yes," she breathed, the word barely a whisper. Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close, his features were even more striking than the glimpses she'd caught at the office. She found herself tracing every perfect line with her gaze—from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted lips. Her expression shifted from seductive to innocent as their eyes met again. The way she looked at him—he knew exactly what was going on. In one fluid motion, he took control, pressing her against the wall. His fingers guided her hand to his belt, his voice husky with restraint. "Help me with this." Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise. Her heart thundered in her chest. The kiss was both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his buttons and zipper, following his lead. Perhaps because she believed it was a dream, there was no pain—only pleasure. Under his gentle guidance, she even found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender and skilled, though his stamina proved overwhelming. ***** The next morning, Joycelyn drifted between sleep and wakefulness as footsteps approached. 'Why does this dream feel so real?' she wondered, her brow furrowing as Ellison's voice reached her ears. Reality crashed in as she opened her eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V-line disappearing beneath white terry cloth. Memories of the night before flooded her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away just as quickly. "Mr. Grant! Why are you here?" She clutched the sheets tighter. "Last night, we... we..." The words stuck in her throat as his eyes studied her flustered expression. "What exactly are you trying to ask?" He was curious. "I mean, last night, did we..." Her tongue tied itself in knots. "We did." His simple confirmation hit her like a thunderbolt. Clinging to one last thread of hope, she stammered, "But did we actually..." "Yes, we did," he replied firmly. Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the sudden silence. "Having regrets now?" His expression remained unreadable. She wrestled with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping with her direct superior? That was career suicide. "Well, Mr. Grant," she began carefully, "I was drunk last night and barely remember anything. We're both adults—can't we just forget this and go back to normal?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he studied her. "You're still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?" Catching sight of the hickeys she'd left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. "Then at least turn around so I can get dressed." Instead, he moved toward the bed, his weight making the mattress dip. Her breath caught as his handsome face loomed over hers. She tried to retreat, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. In their struggle, the sheet slipped to her waist. Skin met skin, sending tingles of electricity through her body. A shiver ran down her spine. "Mr. Grant—" Her protest died in her throat. Her heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made him more irresistible. "You said you couldn't remember anything," he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers. "Then let me refresh your memory." Her blush deepened as she tried to look anywhere but at him. A glimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well-equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible to contain. His masculine form pressed against her once more. His teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. "Mr. Grant!" She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her. Now fully sober, she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat—they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much longer, her colleagues would surely notice. But he seemed intent on taking his time. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Soon," he promised. She was losing her mind. Biting her lip, she fought to contain the embarrassing sounds threatening to escape. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by the sound of executives laughing in the hallway. "Mr. Grant, lunch is ready. We'll be departing for the office afterward," a voice called out. Joycelyn grabbed this chance like a lifeline. "Mr. Grant, we need to go. We can't be late, and it would be terrible if anyone found out." Her earlier boldness had vanished completely, replaced by panic. Frustration flickered across Ellison's features at the interruption. Rolling away, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a call. A ringtone sounded from the hallway. Taking advantage of the distraction, Joycelyn clutched the sheet to her chest. Spotting a white shopping bag with women's clothing beside the bed, she snatched it up and hurried to the bathroom. "Go ahead without me." He spoke into the phone. "I'll be down shortly." The voices outside soon faded away. Joycelyn dressed as quickly as possible, wincing slightly at her tender muscles. As she emerged, another phone rang in the room. Ellison was buckling his belt when he reached for it. "Yes?" Joycelyn froze in the bathroom doorway, noticing that was her phone in his hand. She lunged forward in panic, forgetting her soreness. Her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled. Still on the call, Ellison caught her effortlessly with one arm. "Hello?" He spoke into the phone. Joycelyn snatched it away, ending the call. Her stomach dropped as she saw the caller ID—Selene Whitmore. Meanwhile, in the hallway outside Joycelyn's room, Selene exchanged shocked looks with their coworkers. "Did a man just answer Joycelyn's phone?" She paused, eyes widening. "And that sexy voice... it sounded exactly like Mr. Grant." .............................................................................. Joycelyn stared at her vibrating phone, her nerves jangling as Selene's name flashed across the screen. She shot up like a startled rabbit, her usual composure shattering. "This is a disaster. They must be suspicious." Her typically clear head spun as she faced this unprecedented situation, her delicate features pinched with worry. Ellison extended his hand for her phone. "What are you doing?" Her face crumpled with alarm as she instinctively pulled back. "Let me handle it," he said, his deep voice brooking no argument. Though she resisted, his commanding presence made her fingers loosen their grip. "Just... don't say anything weird," she pleaded, watching with bated breath as he answered. "This is Ellison Grant. I found this phone last night and will have my assistant return it shortly." His gaze swept over her anxious face. "As for the owner..." Joycelyn's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, terrified that one wrong word would destroy her career. His deliberate pause had her muscles coiling with tension. Her eyes desperately telegraphed: 'Say something—anything!' Noting her distress, he deliberately prolonged the moment, privately amused by her reaction. His lips curved slightly as he continued smoothly, "I'm unaware of her whereabouts." Relief flooded through her. She'd narrowly escaped catastrophe. "I'll have the phone delivered to your colleague." After hanging up, he set it beside his own. "Okay, so when should I go downstairs?" She raised worried eyes to his. "Won't people notice?" Her cheeks burned with mortification. Already shy about romantic matters, sleeping with her boss made her want to crawl into a hole and disappear. He studied her expression carefully, maintaining his composure while she fidgeted. "Everyone's in the restaurant now. Wait here and leave later," he said calmly. "Okay." She perched on the bed's edge, twisting her fingers together. Without hesitation, he began dressing right in front of her. His model-worthy physique and chiseled features moved with practiced elegance. Each glimpse of him sent her heart racing. 'Selene wasn't wrong,' she thought. 'These cool, composed types really are something else behind closed doors.' "I'll take responsibility for this," he stated while fastening his buttons. Her head snapped up in surprise before she shook it vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not! We're both adults—this was mutual. You don't need to take it to heart." She was just an ordinary office worker fresh out of college, while he was a powerful and wealthy man—way out of her league. She repeated variations of "no need," her expression screaming resistance. His brow furrowed slightly. Her reaction made him wonder if he seemed like some villain forcing himself on an innocent girl. "But I'm serious," he emphasized. "So am I! Let's just never mention this again. My only request is that no one else finds out." She dropped her gaze to her feet, wilting under his intense stare. After studying her silently, he relented. "Fine. I'll head down first." "Mm-hmm." Her relief at his departure was palpable. He cast her a final glance before leaving with both phones. Alone at last, she flopped onto the bed with a groan, pummeling the comforter in frustration. "You've lost your mind, Joycelyn! Of all the men in the world, you had to sleep with Ellison?" After wallowing sufficiently, she reasoned enough time had passed for her colleagues to be downstairs. She washed her face, donned a mask, and carefully checked the hallway. Finding there was no one outside, she slipped out quietly, opting for the emergency stairs over the elevator. Linda Lorne stood by the stairwell, frowning as she watched Joycelyn emerge from Ellison's suite. After descending several flights, Joycelyn reached her room and quickly packed. She loaded her luggage onto the bus before heading to the dining hall. As a Fortune 500 powerhouse, Grant Group employed countless talented individuals. Though brilliant women filled its ranks, Joycelyn stood out. Her presence was like morning mist—ethereal, pure, refreshing—carrying an enigmatic grace that set her apart. Sharp-eyed Selene spotted her immediately. "Joycelyn, over here!" she called, waving enthusiastically. As Joycelyn returned the wave, she felt an intense gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she met Ellison's eyes. His sculpted profile and penetrating gaze—the same eyes that had devoured her the night before—sent her pulse racing. 'Why is he still at the entrance?' she wondered. 'Wasn't he supposed to be downstairs already?' "Sweetie, are you still drunk?" Selene asked, rushing over to link arms. "You're walking funny." "Oh, I twisted my ankle in these heels yesterday," Joycelyn mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. After last night's abandon and this morning's encore, her legs felt like jelly. "Hmm..." Selene's knowing smirk widened. "One night away and you're all shy like a blushing flower." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Don't tell me you got tipsy and jumped our Mr. Grant? That walk screams 'too many positions, too much fun.'" She had a sly grin plastered on her face, as if to say, "You can't fool me, I've got my eye on you." Joycelyn nearly collapsed at her friend's astute observation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed, her face flaming. "People can hear you!" Seeing Joycelyn's unusual embarrassment only encouraged Selene further. "Am I wrong? You got drunk, ran into our gorgeous boss, and thought 'I'm 26 and still haven't experienced a man.' Next thing you know..." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "That would explain why he answered your phone this morning!" Joycelyn's already scarlet face darkened further. Each of Selene's guesses hit frighteningly close to home. "That's ridiculous," she protested weakly. "What romance novel are you living in?" Noting Joycelyn's guilty yet defensive expression, Selene's grin widened. She spotted Ellison approaching, surrounded by executives. "If you won't tell me, I'll just ask Mr. Grant himself." Selene raised her hand in greeting. "Hi, Mr. Grant!" Joycelyn's heart stopped as she stared at the approaching Adonis, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She worried that if Selene brought it up, he would use the chance to expose their fling and make her "take responsibility." Her stomach dropped as she realized her carefully constructed denial was about to come crashing down. .............................................................................. "Last night—" Selene began, but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward, cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison. "Thank you for finding my phone, Mr. Grant," she interjected smoothly. "Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable. I can't tell you how grateful I am." Joycelyn's matter-of-fact attitude and effusive thanks over a mere phone made Selene's words die in her throat as she stared in confusion. "Just a small matter," Ellison murmured, his gaze flickering momentarily. "We shouldn't keep you from your meal. Please, go ahead, Mr. Grant." Joycelyn tugged Selene aside, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes. Her gaze locked with his, silently pleading for his discretion. After several long beats of eye contact, he moved toward the dining table without another word. Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath, her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments. Selene had intended to gossip, but she found herself completely captivated by Ellison's charm. "God, he's even more stunning up close," she sighed, watching him go. "Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star." A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn. "If your parents knew what was going on in your head, they'd probably blow a gasket!" "Whatever." Selene rolled her eyes. "Let's eat. I need to get home to my man." Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food-loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes, dropping all questions about the previous night. The retreat ended after lunch. While executives took their luxury cars, staff boarded the company bus. From her window seat, Joycelyn's thoughts drifted until Selene's squeal snapped her attention forward. "Look! Mr. Grant's Rolls-Royce is incredible." Selene pressed her face to the glass. "Why couldn't I be so lucky? I wouldn't mind snagging a guy that hot and rich!" Studying the million-dollar vehicle, Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds. Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother. Before the retreat, her family had attempted to set her up with a short, older man offering a hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift. She'd refused, hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts. Instead, the marriage pressure had only intensified. To delay the inevitable confrontation, Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home. Taking a steadying breath outside her door, she turned the key. The scene inside stopped her cold—her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch. "Who threw my things?" Joycelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Look who finally graced us with her presence," her stepsister Octavia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game. Joycelyn's stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down his cigarette on the balcony and stormed in, his palm cracking across her face. "We raised you, and this is how you repay us?" he roared. "We found you a good match with a generous offer, and you stood him up. Where were you? Out whoring around until this hour?" Only her mother's intervention prevented a second blow. The harsh slap left Joycelyn's cheek throbbing, her eyes wide with disbelief. For years, she'd endured their abuse and insults, surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month. Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle. Something inside her snapped. She swung her bag at his face with all her strength. "How dare you hit me! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me!" "Your father's dead!" Phineas stumbled back, spitting the words. "I'm your father now. If I hadn't pitied you and your mother, I wouldn't have taken in such worthless burdens." "You dare?" Ice crystallized in Joycelyn's voice as she stood tall, unflinching. "I worked my way through college with loans and part-time jobs. My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you. Who's the real burden here?" Her entire frame vibrated with rage. "You manipulated my mother into signing over my father's house. You'd be on the street without us!" The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering he'd caused. .............................................................................. "Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker. Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?" "God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods." Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?" Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family. "Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter. "Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room. "Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?" Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore." "Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed. "My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas. "Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!" Something died in Joycelyn's heart as she watched her mother's passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. "Don't worry, I'm going." Her defiance caught Phineas off guard. "And don't bother coming back!" he shouted at her retreating form. With no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the elevator. ***** Rain hammered the streets as Joycelyn came out. She plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame. Lightning split the sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father's life. Finding shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task. Her eyes burned from all the crying as she checked her phone—5% battery. 'They say God never closes a door without opening a window,' she thought bitterly. 'But my life's just one slammed door after another.' With a hollow laugh, she pulled up the company directory and found Ellison's contact. Her fingers moved before her brain could object, sending a message..[Mr. Grant, I'm Joycelyn Maynard. Does your marriage offer from this afternoon still stand?] The moment she hit send, self-loathing crashed over her. She'd rejected him twice today already; she had no reason to think he would agree to help her now. .............................................................................. Ellison stood by his grandmother's hospital bed, concern cracking his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the oxygen mask. His phone's vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen—his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He then sent a one-word response. [Yes.] The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up? We need to talk.] His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn't the worst option. She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery. 'If he comes, I'll marry him,' she decided. 'If not, be it.' As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother's fragile grasp caught him. "You stubborn boy," Isolde Grant whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you, Grandma. I've found someone—we're getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?" His voice held rare tenderness. Hope flickered in Isolde's tired eyes. "Really?" She struggled to sit up. Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. "Really. I'm going to get her now. You'll meet her in the morning. Rest now." "Promise you're not lying to me." "Never." The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite. After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out. "Mr. Grant, there's a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn't be safe for you to drive," the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave. "It's fine." Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lot. His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel, driving toward its destiny. Fierce wind battered Joycelyn's small frame beneath the bus shelter. She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real protection. Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain hammered the roof like buckshot while trees thrashed in the gale. Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car approached through the pouring rain. The Maybach pulled up smoothly. Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm's fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him—lost, hurt, like an abandoned kitten in the storm. "Get in," he said simply, taking her suitcase. His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered, swollen eyes meeting his. Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze. Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. "Inside. Now." She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip. The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against his chest. His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain. "Are you hurt?" she asked, voice tight with worry. "It's nothing." Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety. Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from chaos. "You must be injured. Let me look at your arm," she insisted, remembering the metallic crash. "Home first," he said curtly without much explanation. The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage. "Here we are." He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm. "Mr. Grant?" Her voice came congested from the cold. "Shouldn't we discuss terms?" She stood by the car door, her reddened eyes watching him with uncertainty. "Change your clothes first." He carried her suitcase and strode toward the elevator. She followed like a shadow, head down—worlds away from last night's bold drunk girl. He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him waiting for her. "State your terms," he said, authority rolling off him. "Or we do this my way." Sniffling, she spoke directly. "Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six months to a year. Separate bedrooms." Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, "You... you said you'd take responsibility." They both knew she had no leverage. "First three points accepted. We'll discuss divorce later." He tilted her chin up. "Explain the separate rooms." Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, "I want my own space, in case you... in case..." Her pale face flamed crimson as words failed. His subtle smile and rain-slicked hair radiated raw magnetism. "In case I want you, I come to your room?" His deep voice held dangerous promise. "Is that what you're trying to say?" .............................................................................. "Well, if there's a need, both of us should cooperate," Joycelyn murmured, her cheeks flushing pink. "Okay, let's go," Ellison said, his voice steady and sure. He turned and walked toward the elevator, Joycelyn trailing behind him, her heart pounding. As they stepped inside, Joycelyn kept her head down, her wet hair dripping onto the floor. She looked like a lost puppy, shivering and small behind his commanding presence. Despite his expensive suit being soaked and her broken suitcase in hand, Ellison maintained an air of calm composure as if nothing could ruffle him. Relief washed over her. He had pulled her out of despair, after all. No woman could resist being cared for in her darkest moments, even if they both had their own motives. "We're here," he announced as the elevator doors opened. He carried her suitcase out, glancing back at the girl, who still stood there, dazed. "Oh," she murmured, quickly following him. The villa was stunning, with cool gray tones that made the space feel crisp and refreshing, much like Ellison himself. Every detail was meticulously crafted, like a piece of art. She had never entered such a beautiful, spacious home before. "The guest room hasn't been used. I'll get you bedding from my room. Go take a shower and change your clothes," he said, handing the suitcase to her. His every word carried the authority of a superior. His voice was cool and commanding, brooking no argument. She didn't dare look at him, only nodding obediently. "Okay." She dragged the suitcase with its broken wheel into the guest room. The space boasted a new bed and sofa, far nicer than her small room at home. Clean and bright, it was several times larger than her previous space, with its own bathroom. She felt a flutter of excitement. Opening the suitcase, she froze. No wonder it felt so heavy—the broken case had let water seep in. All her clothes were soaked. She rummaged through everything, finding nothing wearable. "All wet?" he asked, looking at her suitcase. She bit her lip in frustration. "Yeah, I'll use a hairdryer later." "I'll get you something to wear," he said and left the room. She crouched on the floor, watching his soaked pant legs, her heart racing. Her skin felt hot enough to dry her wet clothes by body heat alone. As she gathered her clothes to wash, he returned with a black shirt. "Use my bathroom. There's no hot water or shower gel here," he said. She looked at the black shirt, lifting her wet face to reveal red, swollen eyes filled with timidity. She stood there gazing at him, clearly hesitating. "Don't catch a cold. I'll help wash your clothes," he said, tossing the shirt at her and scooping up everything from the suitcase. The strength difference between them was stark—she had struggled to lift them. Watching his wet figure, her face flushed deeper. Holding the black shirt, she hesitated but remembered his gentlemanly behavior. 'We're not even officially married yet,' she thought. 'He should still behave.' But she misjudged how men could be. Or perhaps Ellison misjudged his own limits. He put her clothes in the washing machine along with his shirt. Returning, he saw her cautiously moving toward his room. His clear eyes narrowed slightly. She entered the master bedroom in amazement. 'Money sure is good,' she thought. His bedroom alone was as big as a three-bedroom apartment. Unsure where the bathroom was, she stood there, dazed. Ellison approached from behind. As she pushed open the bathroom door, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her inside. The door closed with a soft click. She stood there wet and sticky, looking up at him in shock. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered. The previously composed man was now shirtless, standing in the bathroom with her. "To avoid catching a cold, we'll shower together," he said calmly, making her blush deeply. "No, you go first. I'll wait," she struggled to escape. Ellison, seeing her embarrassment, let go but lifted her onto the counter, standing close. "Embarrassed?" he asked. "No." She shook her head, water dripping from her hair onto her pale face, making her look soft and vulnerable. He cupped her face. "You bit and scratched me yesterday. Today, you'll wash me as punishment. Fair, right?" His deep voice in the quiet bathroom was mesmerizing. She blushed deeply, her eyes flickering over his bare chest. He had a perfect body, tall and well-built. Rainwater dripped from his hair, tracing the contours of his muscular frame, down his throat, and across his broad chest. She saw the bite mark she had left in retaliation for the pain he had caused her. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen a man so closely. She couldn't look away, her eyes lingering on his wet, defined abs, remembering the feel of his hard muscles. Her body grew hot. He took in her every expression. "Don't I look better without clothes? Hmm?" She covered her face with embarrassment. "I don't want to answer that." He carried her under the shower, the warm water making her already hot skin even hotter. He guided her hand to his pants. "Help me take them off."		Novel Yang Booming		113	https://www.facebook.com/100077426966140/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731765	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993491	1740993491		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481684910_998874105467773_7830290578484831802_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lspdYNTq_kQQ7kNvgGQJYiD&_nc_oc=Adh4QmNWm3410jgRfZvrXssjNymq0s9_CuyFkuPnDs-7lH-K-HeNshl_geu-iRkgO1HJEtEylvOmT33VTnqeF5er&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYBM3Yz9pOAoyU9qwlkMTprdMyEQMonZBI6BSj1wsH54Cg&oe=67CB4141	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731766	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993491	1740993491		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481471218_3825059344410464_6949396959230055153_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZET03mW5vewQ7kNvgGA6weo&_nc_oc=AdhyqO71id0dEKfFqVY34zGIogDJJ20g44UR8EJiQyO-7G__OBrKdM6MYN7uTV_Mp8E7vTtIgBo3ZcQ8kbvoS6KS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYCRbMYDFKP14w12LqspGHCqBFuwtTjeI0C3qxnWKv62-g&oe=67CB5B75	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731772	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 5:45 AM	1740993491	1746873940		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482063017_1713772479491336_1993052194067266184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kkZyBZQbjewQ7kNvgGAgFuG&_nc_oc=AdiL14K2I1w_K93WwrDwwCsDFT159AFLrpNN8fI4yfAkMxUTRcJ-uW1BTu1XbeQmVsOi5_BBb3a-qZhJFBkrWg2f&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYD8lc8nDXQBjCX8R_Jd_F307yjm5un1-SE-jUH_1aDYcA&oe=67CB3140	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731775	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 8:06 AM	1740993491	1747141562		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218210890170082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480926677_609337092010727_959809967291265203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uf7xm2kE0rcQ7kNvgHNOTcD&_nc_oc=Adhqzq1s5oElh-7_Q0BZKCwZpM3zBlCWtVkCfYbze3wW7kXgOMZxq63BNArrXY-9uIZUtV_F1mQSlQrUxwLY6-9m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYAbD1ONpnetPuODWPeB0tjQ2xHcUFSig6quSHxAsIfkNQ&oe=67CB2AD6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		Lereader-Excellent Novel		676	https://www.facebook.com/61550357834620/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731776	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:51 PM	1740993491	1747086719		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16084322en-fb-x613-en-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=BDE970862A40C45B573951D5611CEC6143BF0CC9ED5310F1			3.8074603846233E+14	TV short	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481672668_621377340598254_8268895610102234035_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZdmDmTnw0SwQ7kNvgGOoFE2&_nc_oc=AdhSNuo1Sp5-Yy0U8mwYNRMreaPP1HzvSkGktQV6fh5t_u7C-5B4Q7Mv0PwXmBt_RyGruVcrH2J5RqTQHKr2scUB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYCgso-LVBVfiyNUErWHWu2OBG6Qc40OoJ0hl_dctXeJpQ&oe=67CB41A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fifteen years ago, Evan, a genius boy and heir to the esteemed Bailey family, was taken in by the Harrison family after losing his parents and enduring torment from their son. Luckily, Evan's four stunning aunts—each possessing unique prowess as a powerful warrior, celebrated actress, miracle-working doctor, and successful business tycoon—found him, showering Evan with love. Together, they orchestrated retribution against those who had wronged him.		TV short		4385	https://www.facebook.com/61564918915033/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731783	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 9:57 AM	1740993491	1746629859		2747																										thegreenhousestudio.squarespace.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			http://www.thegreenhousestudio.squarespace.com/			3.0171503635444E+14	The Greenhouse Studio	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482066135_2200080857053273_993057253618742958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9FWBytpUX1sQ7kNvgFRs23Y&_nc_oc=AdgxXKTIE_ysuS5143pbKc_CKhHWB1EeQdkUs9EVcrk39_-KkP6RrViGTqEviQlFSLRykDaiJkVSGxOTQTMsyddW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYDRJRqjuPFSpHFlI79F59DetJpuwVugfOCNLfZ-eXfWiw&oe=67CB504F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				The Greenhouse Studio		51	https://www.facebook.com/61558493654580/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731784	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 10:51 AM	1740993491	1746719464		2747																										thegreenhousestudio.squarespace.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			http://www.thegreenhousestudio.squarespace.com/			3.0171503635444E+14	The Greenhouse Studio	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482066135_2200080857053273_993057253618742958_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9FWBytpUX1sQ7kNvgFRs23Y&_nc_oc=AdgxXKTIE_ysuS5143pbKc_CKhHWB1EeQdkUs9EVcrk39_-KkP6RrViGTqEviQlFSLRykDaiJkVSGxOTQTMsyddW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYDRJRqjuPFSpHFlI79F59DetJpuwVugfOCNLfZ-eXfWiw&oe=67CB504F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				The Greenhouse Studio		51	https://www.facebook.com/61558493654580/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731804	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 2:53 AM	1740993492	1746863635		2747																														IMAGE						4.1633548520235E+14	Longevity Hacks	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481506112_1787839875092712_6438204502888344462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P_AJAMVl48UQ7kNvgGsqemQ&_nc_oc=AdjuRBGrRxolVN3_iBK7D0d916XnSzqKvleJiPZjATLWnuLs5sHBMnVrhMvEu8I-JyHmOTwNIeSP0Em6yVrCEhoZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYAjc9Iwjvd0Cp57H2nkazlx5wNM0CFbWzPwe4OzDBZkew&oe=67CB3260	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Stiffness is life winding down: Aging is not so much about growing older, it's a process of everything seizing up. Virtually every single disease and dysfunction is a kind of hardening - a rigid artery, a calcified joint, a frozen nerve, a brain locked in its own grip. As well, blood gets thick, tissues tighten, bones dry out, muscles lose elasticity. Blood vessels lose their flexibility. Fibrosis is one of the first manifestations of developing cancer. So when your body gets stiff, it's not a trivial matter; it's the petrification of your tissues. But why does this happen? If your mitochondria are starved for light and structured water, then the body starts to dry up and wilt. What's left behind are calcium deposits. Think of a river that loses its flow; as the waters recede, they leave behind mineral remnants. Likewise, dry/stagnant tissues accumulate calcium as a containment strategy in response to dehydration, to stabilize the tissues. This is a system-wide protection strategy that goes on in your body in the absence of living, structured water. Our mitochondria are structured water generators. This happens because mitochondria are light-sensitive and absorb sunlight (red light in particular) and ooze out structured water, which can be thought of as liquid intelligence. Structured water stores energy and hydrates at a deeper level, preventing hardening of the tissues. But this is why sunlight is so important; Vitamin D is a hormone that mobilizes calcium; it moves it out of your muscles and soft tissues, then directs it to your bones, where it's actually needed. Add magnesium and K2 and you've got a complete calcium translocation mechanism. To de-fossilize yourself. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 - works synergistically with structured water, as its positive charge binds to mitochondria to helps facilitate electron flow, which maximizes function. When hydrated with structured water, magnesium supports efficient nerve signaling, muscle function, and overall vitality. Magnesium also controls B1 vitamin utilization and enables the conversion of vitamin D into the active form; you simply cant make cellular energy without magnesium. 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝟐 - activates proteins that direct calcium to bones and teeth, preventing accumulation in soft tissues like arteries and joints and other unwanted areas. 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 - You could also add alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, a good methylated B vitamin complex. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 j𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐞 - I'd also add green plants and juices to provide chlorophyl, which alkalizes the tissues through their structured water. In a way, chlorophyll is a good biological counterbalance to calcification; they both alkalize the tissues, but chlorophyll does it without hardening the body or gumming up the system. Where calcium offers structure and stability, chlorophyll promotes flexibility and energy flow. I say calcified tissues are just light-starved. God put that big yellow ball in the sky for a good reason. Light was the first nutrient - created before both oxygen and food. Light is the medium through which information originates and flows. Light loosens and unfolds our tissues. We weren't designed to stay indoors all day - our biology requires sunlight to avoid biological chaos. Without it, we harden, our tissues calcify, and life begins to fossilize. Scientists claim that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. I disagree. Because it assumes that energy is reduced to just physical molecules, which is an inherently materialistic, reductionist viewpoint. I say mitochondria are just one part of a larger energy system; they absorb light, structure water and generate electromagnetic flow that maximizes cellular function. Without these, mitochondria alone is meaningless. Mitochondria is just a token of the larger energetic system; they need a battery, just like a cell phone does. And that battery is charged by the interplay of light, water and movement. So what if the solution to calcification-related chronic disease isn't found in a pricey little pill, gene therapy or in an invasive procedure, but rather in something as simple and profound as spending time each day under the sun (preferably with your bare feet on the ground) which will hydrate your tissues and help your electrons flow through your mitochondria better.		Longevity Hacks		15309	https://www.facebook.com/LongevityHacks/	0										View Edit Delete
2731819	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993492	1740993492		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275314_1177317750684211_39818868502619236_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eEojmG5BfNkQ7kNvgGbYakl&_nc_oc=AdihM6mdVq_o4OuhML6wuu7BEwTgISeBx7YLep_4IY4p1HRGNeDJvvR63G_E2rl43dqQzUP-Y3vrUG0qsfmjwMhL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYD-WwI-VtCUUMUOMxUIKAifqZ4QuejUHJa9ErvR5UMkCQ&oe=67CB3CF2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731825	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993492	1740993492		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8637664123143E+14	DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482064525_1400224887613800_4739765448910105476_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UFX0SOPRHX0Q7kNvgF2mOLu&_nc_oc=Adgwxn_PGxbRGTkZhAvHmS9YJQFymB3SAR6Z1XiVr4_mg-XtDa7NtEUXTYayg6CiooOo7p6GUiktjcb2XII3k1Et&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYBKCDJCdg3sOXQgu17fMzEwgfVQaBaSbfhMB8S34LRGfw&oe=67CB2FD9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos		2327894	https://www.facebook.com/61565078571830/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731831	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/20/25, 5:02 AM	1740993492	1747735380		2747																										secure.shoporthopedicsusa.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Recommended by Orthopedic Specialists & Chiropractors	Whether it’s arthritis, injury, or swelling, this advanced knee brace is your solution to lasting relief. Get 60% off!	https://secure.shoporthopedicsusa.com/how%20to%20fix%20wrist%20pain/landing-page-1738671481131666			5.6624391989517E+14	Orthopedics USA	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481072312_546224984515064_3150194219726096444_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W5pcr0C0JjkQ7kNvgF55oQE&_nc_oc=AdhU0GGS4NywDLXZR6jiX3tJmwThdp7GC--h1iFPNIea-T20nzbQj9m9sGuFHox5kq33tx92CmNbAMUZh6t8yYLU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYAFa24IBT9WW9NsgwTABHwd56Es-fzHf0Xgiw7wiiRLvQ&oe=67CB3F30	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with wrist pain or carpal tunnel symptoms? Discover a non-invasive approach that’s transforming lives. The Ortho Wrist Pro combines gentle compression, heat therapy, and EMS to target discomfort at its source—no surgery required.		Orthopedics USA		690	https://www.facebook.com/61571625785012/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731841	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 8:33 PM	1740993493	1746754402		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481671396_517075831437757_2291113581410810139_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=--gCYReQQFgQ7kNvgF_n5dA&_nc_oc=AdiiIMrPXKv1vqyITBeVu37MLKfdJWhepoq4YXcvRDNnzvwKZu__RKzyxfYEOre9kfXp-I7oU3IUy6UXW3Q1XT7_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYDmRSO5RMtoa0r-oaE-6zjLPP9WNG8EoUdvNALgGcFdBQ&oe=67CB4BFC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731843	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 6:30 AM	1740993493	1746790206		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481188315_619991307482632_1919061907425393189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZnIR1PXxeSMQ7kNvgHM33WC&_nc_oc=Adjs-hMWoYijadnB4MDUPlO7DauoIOpNSG8BNvGY-1mNRNfeY6PrJWOxjMzjkDfRo1TD3TE-Ccbz7X6UViK5JP4B&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYD5tpk9-ZAOw4Ms8oNE-OB_so3Riu5UEF02JmIMIGU-VQ&oe=67CB3442	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731846	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 11:03 AM	1740993493	1747065813		2747																										tryvizoya.com	Shop Now			DCO	BUY 1 GET 1 FREE	{{product.description}}	https://tryvizoya.com/products/methylene-blue-1-liquid-drops			5.042177094439E+14	Vizoya	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481120448_657661843465544_4139913351524708592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hBtdc20r0gEQ7kNvgFBNO7z&_nc_oc=AdgJau9AEvDUs7ZbB1K-3nyIynsXwJ0uQ7Rz7wNM39vflQ2x8eSUZr8rsdyA7SOcJHQAZr7ZZJTtRIGXF23K2x92&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYDEx-eyVDuPIp0k4-MTch7ZGASY8pjCYmfs7CZgOxGKDQ&oe=67CB3F64	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Unlock Your Full Potential! Want to think faster, focus clearer and unlock your mental edge? Our groundbreaking solution is the answer! - Jake H., who took his mind to the next level		Vizoya		229	https://www.facebook.com/61570952257529/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731849	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993493	1740993493		2747																										rebrand.ly	Learn more			VIDEO	Marisa Tomei shares her #1 Health Secret		https://rebrand.ly/MorningRestore			3.6137510372677E+14	Terra Mare Health	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481215199_9286610364788085_8393517432220355356_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BlLyECsuKh4Q7kNvgGZkNrR&_nc_oc=AdgE2MYT-6VeC6MXGmxIEw4TKvk4SwOzlnjFGESEbNQ4i0g3Pe3gFzD2Eq3keL7dfcSkzR6TXyDICRXGVvuz7EO7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AHjGLMgphR4hdkvsxaeUxCg&oh=00_AYAjMTW3_7V-7P7l_n8ufrcrQcay7pMi5JaeHa-2yitLEw&oe=67CB377D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Mood, digestion, hormone health…all of this actually starts in your GUT ✨ Actress Marisa Tomei is finally sharing her body restoration foods she's been using to look and feel amazing, including: ✅ Glowing skin ✅ Smooth digestion ✅ Healthy moods and hormone health ✅ Super metabolism Watch Now to learn Marisa's 'Morning Restore' method for feeling the best you have in YEARS: https://rebrand.ly/MorningRestore		Terra Mare Health		1967	https://www.facebook.com/terramarehealth/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731847	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 2:44 PM	1740993493	1747079067		2747																										tryvizoya.com	Shop Now			DCO	BUY 1 GET 1 FREE	{{product.description}}	https://tryvizoya.com/products/methylene-blue-1-liquid-drops			5.042177094439E+14	Vizoya	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481120448_657661843465544_4139913351524708592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hBtdc20r0gEQ7kNvgFBNO7z&_nc_oc=AdgJau9AEvDUs7ZbB1K-3nyIynsXwJ0uQ7Rz7wNM39vflQ2x8eSUZr8rsdyA7SOcJHQAZr7ZZJTtRIGXF23K2x92&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYDEx-eyVDuPIp0k4-MTch7ZGASY8pjCYmfs7CZgOxGKDQ&oe=67CB3F64	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Unlock Your Full Potential! Want to think faster, focus clearer and unlock your mental edge? Our groundbreaking solution is the answer! - Jake H., who took his mind to the next level		Vizoya		229	https://www.facebook.com/61570952257529/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731421	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 5:55 PM	1740993483	1746744937		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F79E5A930F21EB22630DCBB049ADE08372A0D85A7E789908			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482078741_1158680202394363_9007775298140940905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1WksnTFh7-IQ7kNvgFyJGVt&_nc_oc=AdikADtOY-VCd2vYhYa6DhJht3sdqwzOzLFKjBl1MgnFN2tC3FH1JKkLZFV4NTAvyUZS_haZCNFnxh5WE4RkM8CH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYBvM9EcZFhET0F41r_jTniaW9xUl9LzvLjuesoqrjzJZQ&oe=67CB26A8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731862	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 7:15 PM	1740993493	1746922522		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481295168_2734858770056311_8896635687621569164_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KxrCawET6ZoQ7kNvgE094LQ&_nc_oc=AdjXwTlCQuXYa8T-pIRav0CPAyUe7NqUR4D4zDidwKdXDAr3C0XeJ0MrNLhLWqo5PxuJQgxbZ2TvC6O44ALwtVFQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYDd4gW52FF_CkneRKn2Xi1QKXeAjqBg1b13SD96pFFbng&oe=67CB4F0F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731873	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 5:16 AM	1740993493	1746872169		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480768585_3442540579388741_2538293421609642856_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t1_kpY6K31AQ7kNvgHU1JR2&_nc_oc=AdhBuMuJ3X0MJDzaKnnfNQXJjr-GKrPmsoiOFC3zE1gH9UPJHNOHvwC3H4YbEikD74iawrCttw1ULMOoTkbcjzBw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYCZyl5ciQPLaRgEu9nauvoYAo6kBATmM-QuujeuXL36oA&oe=67CB591A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731875	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 10:50 AM	1740993493	1746892243		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Two girls. One crown. Who's the real heiress?		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=6746aa92c946defef504c9ff&chapterId=5epijo1kve&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482051145_4006987696215211_7082352336930454404_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ym1j-oYeUPEQ7kNvgFPvOWj&_nc_oc=AdigTG248pd20D4_no_OJIooeSlLIIyvIHK3WLUXQXwsazHQMDaNz_rfRzTygt9dkkTRyCorkqjWQssuW05hmnAR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYCyqsRUJiqSxs90GRU4cIyNZ4fBdD-3A_2tSlVN3fX5fA&oe=67CB5D6F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hailey Kaplan, a wealthy teenager who decides to conceal her true identity when she transfers to Western High, a public school. Tired of being known only for her family's wealth, Hailey hopes to make genuine friends and experience a normal teenage life. However, her plans are thrown into chaos when Candice Mathis, the daughter of the Kaplan family's maid, arrives at school posing as the Kaplan heiress. Candice quickly rises to the top of the social hierarchy, while Hailey finds herself at the bottom, subjected to bullying and ridicule.		ReelShort		1247733	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731879	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 5:16 PM	1740993493	1747001807		2747																										page.joyreadings.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Free reading with Title "Love at the Wrong Table"		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=4685&brand=2&app=0&ppid=1635&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120216838341150092&ori_adset_id=120216838342350092&ori_ad_id=120216838377320092			1.0607726224053E+14	The novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481665097_2135560283540328_2632934348076621347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OPYYtzJ58GIQ7kNvgG0lI1Q&_nc_oc=Adj5ZELUxnXFJtsooikORANjaHoxkCEyUxbk4JYQJgp5AvHh2lMGwThl61zYa97DaqnVFSpMhh3WX5j_IC6KSosr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYC_cd3fiF0VcxNHiLjmte6-tTg9UPem4xCZ_EC7pW2bpg&oe=67CB5A54	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him. ............................................................................................................................................................ “I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently. The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship. After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years. He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year. Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates. Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far. Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point. “Help! Someone help me!” Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help. The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet. After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish. It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?” “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile. Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth. Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier. The café was massive and practically structured like a maze. Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area. The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals. The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven. Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze. A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room. It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself. The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her. The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker. When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure. Thump! Thump! Thump! When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest. Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life. The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all. Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse. Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her? More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table. She's my blind date? He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her. The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes. The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business? Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him. They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with. He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.” Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed. The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own. “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.” Emmanuel was stunned. What is happening? He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags. Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless. Where's the catch? All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind. Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident. She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating. As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words. Urgh, forget it! Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar. He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.” It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath. Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary. A long while later, she burst into a chuckle. She had never met a man who could humor her so. “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!” Pfft! Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger. An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?” “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!” Huh? What is going on? Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?” “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit. “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!” Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape. That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight! Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards. Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café! He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!” The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation. While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life. Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind. Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group. Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman. Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild. That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead. Isn't that fate? Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.” She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man. Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless. Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!” Chapter 2 Failure After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area. Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience. Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold. Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet. Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities. Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile. “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—” “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!” After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face. The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet. Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset. “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt. The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name. To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill. The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins. This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability... Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly. To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain. Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today? “Ah! Someone's been hit!” “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!” Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground. Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators! Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin. “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously. Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!” Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them. “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money. The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her. “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested. Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment. The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel. Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man. “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?” Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines. At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold. Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs. The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg. “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken. The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp. Goodness gracious! That man is daring! Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile. The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went. I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side! “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked. When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him. By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them. “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs. With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?” Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!” Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration. Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws. “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!” The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved. “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up. Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character! Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly. Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?” This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they? Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house. “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was. “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!” “What?” Emmanuel choked out. Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again? Chapter 3 Rags to Riches In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate. Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café. Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again! Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention. “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!” Emmanuel's heart instantly sank. Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter? Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!” As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house! “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!” By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience. Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced? Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot. She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home? “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object. She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him. Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home! “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said. That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!” “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?” “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding. I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year! Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!” Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents? Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!” Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage. “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!” Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...” “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back. He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters. “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back. Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me! After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit. To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them. The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup. Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy? Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café? The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards. He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!” Needless to say, everyone was stunned. Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly. Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories? The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café? Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts. Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key. The total value of the items had to be at least ten million. For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of! Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock. Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum! If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway! After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm. “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!” “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole. As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?” “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words. Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated. After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law! Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her. As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman! “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car. He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead. Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently. “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated. “W-What should I do now, then?” In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury. Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers? “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested. Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!” “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh. Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me? 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Love at the Wrong Table". Enjoy Romance Now🥰		The novel		20947	https://www.facebook.com/100085523883301/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731881	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:59 AM	1740993493	1746885573		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	📚 28 Books For 70% Off!	"SO HOT! I LOVE with this series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-dark-billionaire-bundle-by-vivian-wood			5.8334782485596E+14	Vivian Wood	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481176226_1824235504992167_6714124274064109848_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DSbi4Jk19F4Q7kNvgGqvHsk&_nc_oc=AdiBzf7-zkqnwrYx9PozsInSRdMHvOXwSh3Wj3xO-If2LgeMbcEGBJGC3d5-yxGLlSr3gVlXMKLxmEzjny6JShf_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYAXHPTZOXjBHIeyQlUF7ptQuVQLDhKF1Z5xRuteuZa55g&oe=67CB3259	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		He kissed me like he meant it. “You’re not leaving tomorrow, are you?” she asked, voice hushed. Henry didn’t answer; he didn’t have to. He crossed the distance between them and slid a hand along her cheek. The question hung there, loaded with everything they’d avoided saying for days. “Ellie,” he said, low and careful, “I don’t want to hurt you. But every time I’m near you, all I can think about is taking you like this—” He cupped the back of her neck, and in one fluid motion, claimed her mouth with his. She whimpered, parting her lips, and the taste of her was better than any memory. ​ When her arms slid up around his shoulders, he coaxed her deeper into the kiss. The bed creaked behind them, beckoning. Ellie tugged at his shirt until he raised his arms and let her peel it off. “I’ve wanted this,” she whispered, eyes roaming the expanse of his bare chest. She ran her palms over the ridges of muscle. “Always.” “Show me,” he said. The raw need in his voice made her shiver. ​ She popped the button of her shorts, letting them slip to the floor. The thin scrap of her underwear soon followed. Henry’s gaze darkened, a low groan rumbling out as his hand splayed across her hips, guiding her back until she hit the mattress. “You’re so beautiful,” he rasped, kneeling to plant kisses along her thighs. She arched her back, the breath leaving her lungs in shallow bursts. Ellie dragged her fingers through his hair, her soft moan a wordless plea as he pressed his mouth where she ached most. A tremor rolled through her, every nerve ending on alert. ​ She could barely form a thought as his tongue teased her, sending jolts of pleasure pulsing through her veins. “Henry,” she gasped, “don’t stop.” He had no intention of stopping. Her legs quivered, and he slipped an arm beneath her to hold her steady. Every swirl and flick pushed her closer to the edge until her cry broke in the hush of the cabin. When Ellie’s breathing calmed, Henry stood, chest heaving. She propped herself up on her elbows, watching him fumble for the foil packet in his wallet. ​ “Hurry,” she urged, cheeks still flushed. Henry did exactly that. In the next breath, he joined her on the bed, bracing his forearms on either side of her. She pulled him down, and their mouths collided again. His body pressed against hers, every inch of them aligned. “Tell me you want this,” he murmured, poised at her entrance. “I do,” she managed, eyes fluttering shut. “I want you, Henry. Now.” And that was all he needed. He pushed into her, the heat and pressure stealing her breath. Ellie’s nails bit lightly into his shoulders. For a moment, neither of them moved, overwhelmed by the sharp bliss of finally crossing a line they both knew they couldn’t uncross. Then he began a slow, deliberate rhythm, one that spoke of hunger and restraint unraveling at the seams. ​- - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ""WOW OH WOW what a way to start this series, and the ending will have you screaming!!!" ~Melanie The Ultimate Steamy Mega Dark Billionaire Bundle Get 28 Books For 70% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Vivian Wood		3	https://www.facebook.com/61573076215858/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731883	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 7:11 AM	1740993493	1746879083		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	📚 28 Books For 70% Off!	"SO HOT! I LOVE with this series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-dark-billionaire-bundle-by-vivian-wood			5.8334782485596E+14	Vivian Wood	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481102405_1284040032899822_819298809659003778_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GrLHrZ60dgcQ7kNvgEhtOK4&_nc_oc=Adh6hv4LVzAJF9JaVPwUDblD8-eyTRmlfPsZcc-2E9O0tbKus7UgW_hQOjMph_h1BE3ezdaP9CgoLVWvjDdZ0m5q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYAQyZUl7v-LixjkI83O8vmmMBHtlZ8ZqoI8Nrkmh5shMg&oe=67CB509C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I got trapped in a cabin with my brothers best friend. Ellie lingered near the edge of the bed, her hair spilling over one shoulder. “You’re not leaving tomorrow, are you?” she asked, voice hushed. Henry didn’t answer; he didn’t have to. He crossed the distance between them and slid a hand along her cheek. The question hung there, loaded with everything they’d avoided saying for days. “Ellie,” he said, low and careful, “I don’t want to hurt you. But every time I’m near you, all I can think about is taking you like this—” He cupped the back of her neck, and in one fluid motion, claimed her mouth with his. She whimpered, parting her lips, and the taste of her was better than any memory. ​ When her arms slid up around his shoulders, he coaxed her deeper into the kiss. The bed creaked behind them, beckoning. Ellie tugged at his shirt until he raised his arms and let her peel it off. “I’ve wanted this,” she whispered, eyes roaming the expanse of his bare chest. She ran her palms over the ridges of muscle. “Always.” “Show me,” he said. The raw need in his voice made her shiver. ​ She popped the button of her shorts, letting them slip to the floor. The thin scrap of her underwear soon followed. Henry’s gaze darkened, a low groan rumbling out as his hand splayed across her hips, guiding her back until she hit the mattress. “You’re so beautiful,” he rasped, kneeling to plant kisses along her thighs. She arched her back, the breath leaving her lungs in shallow bursts. Ellie dragged her fingers through his hair, her soft moan a wordless plea as he pressed his mouth where she ached most. A tremor rolled through her, every nerve ending on alert. ​ She could barely form a thought as his tongue teased her, sending jolts of pleasure pulsing through her veins. “Henry,” she gasped, “don’t stop.” He had no intention of stopping. Her legs quivered, and he slipped an arm beneath her to hold her steady. Every swirl and flick pushed her closer to the edge until her cry broke in the hush of the cabin. When Ellie’s breathing calmed, Henry stood, chest heaving. She propped herself up on her elbows, watching him fumble for the foil packet in his wallet. ​ “Hurry,” she urged, cheeks still flushed. Henry did exactly that. In the next breath, he joined her on the bed, bracing his forearms on either side of her. She pulled him down, and their mouths collided again. His body pressed against hers, every inch of them aligned. “Tell me you want this,” he murmured, poised at her entrance. “I do,” she managed, eyes fluttering shut. “I want you, Henry. Now.” And that was all he needed. He pushed into her, the heat and pressure stealing her breath. Ellie’s nails bit lightly into his shoulders. For a moment, neither of them moved, overwhelmed by the sharp bliss of finally crossing a line they both knew they couldn’t uncross. Then he began a slow, deliberate rhythm, one that spoke of hunger and restraint unraveling at the seams. - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ""WOW OH WOW what a way to start this series, and the ending will have you screaming!!!" ~Melanie The Ultimate Steamy Mega Dark Billionaire Bundle Get 28 Books For 70% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Vivian Wood		3	https://www.facebook.com/61573076215858/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731886	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 11:31 PM	1740993493	1747197076		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481195893_696891599360686_6489504594434375992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4rFif5toj1oQ7kNvgGn6tD3&_nc_oc=Adjx-uB7N6OyBJLO90FvciesJ_PZFC0b3pN8hroyr4bnNG0GM6sx4VI_jPHZZtOql-fwtJ8vxXxKsZvfhFRUldI4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYAFzHTBW38xcxZ5J-KWrl92xKFz100W3H01cQSdylZRTg&oe=67CB5B0C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731899	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993494	1740993494		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	🎁 LIMITED-TIME SALE 🎁	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481970982_1149079160290843_688232652863521327_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2fngscP2czMQ7kNvgHxb1-e&_nc_oc=AdhyZx61n90EJqqucRmitiVZyMqxh3pDmGCFFDbBTcDciQaZbt5N0mA5-mYgkxnHCzAYexLGaaVd0WkzN9KltewX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYB9wkJnX6nsQ3vmebo7Chep1VHEV6s7YABVgND7EjPVaA&oe=67CB5E4F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731906	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:20 PM	1740993494	1747081209		2747																										clfblmvx.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉💖ONLY on GoodShort TV!		https://clfblmvx.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18303&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.3737794946036E+14	Ai Wenwen	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481667224_1365552448224849_8145079225022079837_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QUrkHozuTIAQ7kNvgF6xEx0&_nc_oc=AdjvU7Ovzmu7vUOBCgQIxkmmBnxk3jLJdoQWAkEnsyRfM0SZccQh-e_VemR9GD00BX969V7HukyUlGu7fEYjMcHu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYBhTenfIuh4JalsbA2m8IAAgurcWVvmiK-L5g6NQcgvcQ&oe=67CB4169	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🎄😱The once-comatose man, dismissed as weak and insignificant, seemingly a mere pushover, launched a stunning counterattack. He was revealed to be the benefactor of the ECBA Chairman and the Governor, as well as the CEO of the WIN Consortium… #goodshort		Ai Wenwen		24660	https://www.facebook.com/61556762124607/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731911	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 3:08 AM	1740993494	1746864497		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 6 Books For 50% Off!	"The BEST sports romance series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-sports-bundle-by-piper-lawson			5.6789754640055E+14	Piper Lawson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482088933_1011977904325511_1537225313119495055_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=llBm9TvAS2kQ7kNvgEz5E7_&_nc_oc=AdjEOCCI55a-OVJewmA0leWoyCdXS-kLeS4XrabzYSjsBV6nGxe4sBGLek2Q8azm4pE6WdXEb42ypBfCABkhbORv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYCz_niSL80aPs3uxmhDgjvpOl0T1YhZQhkEHVUXL7ZXww&oe=67CB4F80	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I kiss him the way I want to, not the way I think I should. I reach up to thread my fingers through his hair and tug. When I exhale a trembling breath, his lips part. I change the angle and let out a little sigh that’s lost in his mouth before forcing myself to pull back. Clay’s half-lowered lids brush my cheeks. “What was that?” he murmurs. My heart hammers in my chest. I can’t meet his eyes. “I wanted to know what it would feel like if you kissed me.” He curses. I start to reach for my seatbelt, but his arms are a cage. He grabs my chin and forces my gaze up. His eyes are glittering gems in the dark. “That wasn’t it.” Before I can react, his mouth slams down on mine. He’s as rough as I was gentle. His lips and tongue wreak havoc with my mouth, exploring every inch of me. My pulse skyrockets as he tugs my earlobe between his teeth. My body throbs, every nerve ending coming alive under his touch. I can’t breathe. I don’t want to. I need more of this, of him. If he’s trying to scare me away, it’s not working. He strokes down my sides, one huge hand cupping my breast. My body swells, my nipples hardening and begging for his touch. I arch toward him, my hand slipping beneath his shirt to land on smooth, muscled abs. Clay groans his approval low in his throat, sending a delicious thrill coursing through me. His thumb presses against my hip. I reach around his waist, imagine the dark tattooed lines writhing beneath my — Click. The next second, his warmth is gone, and so is my seatbelt. He’s back on his side of the car, and the space between us is a chasm. “Don’t pout. I’m selfish enough to give you what you think you want.”		Piper Lawson		18	https://www.facebook.com/61572225267893/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731913	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 1:21 PM	1740993494	1746987692		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481065147_1172752734264789_196050108952289210_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AWeRp2uLRfYQ7kNvgH8xpTf&_nc_oc=AdhpTcMncwKVfHlZ2hJGwIzvx1ZlhIBn_Vq6YC4e_IE7nWdy0qRUipEXYvgrTDpH-yGhhX6pKnJSLaFNbxiBHior&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYBxTd0phGVrS-mPfC89-ZmH4LI-CXz2t-WxJ_RM-7O3ag&oe=67CB58B6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731923	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 11:03 PM	1740993494	1746936213		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481126687_3973162682956893_5649904814480766411_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=InOVvbqFaMYQ7kNvgFiS2NO&_nc_oc=Adiv0xoBkW7mGKAKsRLOZSnl9nNG6ZCeYGCxeeYpoNW9686QU1ahPrfjT5HEfybcWQXYgN5yDenSmPcxahS-7MAV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYByLJkv3G5PKG7Hb0jAD1bwXqhEC9GQzU5Zm5CM700YfA&oe=67CB5D92	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731935	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 1:58 PM	1740993495	1749409090		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481080816_651133797470878_7054816724256087851_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qJ6fj9rdbDgQ7kNvgHcSJVm&_nc_oc=AdiThnqr1IL_uyEGIgdcp9d0JxfNGD2fSOQ1nYgmXhrCfXeg5NkPuVWDToM8OwuLCgB6vofgiio8KC5eSKX_1cxL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYBt8RTJTwhfXByCzZFEQydom8MXzJ6SFfqZ44AEV6jw1w&oe=67CB2939	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731945	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993495	1740993495		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480998148_947283750945659_7014979484266910798_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4VJanmr0n90Q7kNvgEB6LF2&_nc_oc=AdhAxD8pRsl6S6rv0gOM_0Tet44ZiwbY-QOkWZ13QKeqDA8cE23WNMMvHzwqhP2S5CIPmRSvuIqzdeB1eyFNDSfD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYD2hsW9j18C0Gr2adnNv49ce6rK1x06jP5H7jS0eoh9Aw&oe=67CB4BE1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731946	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 6:27 PM	1740993495	1749425228		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480772129_1026757479267678_5920068931561217740_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c6JNEBI47hwQ7kNvgEGgP7v&_nc_oc=Adgl_a6iI6mm_PdU0Jk_GHXwbog_Z6Oib4d_rJzMTezAtB4ieDpJNU8xJQP9uhzMZwPhpu5CJUns6CX-i4cX_N5H&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYDMLPyPJ7ajN_K6lHPniLKBXBHiKkQn4nuavKUQHTp4TQ&oe=67CB3485	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731948	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 6:35 PM	1740993495	1749425756		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481157545_1364266354585218_331240378559650911_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=thDT0msN9kYQ7kNvgFaqVCe&_nc_oc=AdgSxzcRWP6kjAh6YAL5MEo8K0BtYKUeZUj5pCB-v5moGJ70WQHpshpGYxmK53Wkj4ATfHKMeYdJ97XYQzSrtiSS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYBUJJ3TwkTfaNuuPm5tYAN8Ik5tYj6hWFKBwB4XjHylKg&oe=67CB3E7C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731951	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 2:44 PM	1740993495	1749498246		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481354803_1003223842003720_8462518779811719906_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lmTRkQj7dmsQ7kNvgHX_mWX&_nc_oc=AdiCYLZ0jYB5hqv1vtjMo-3-ezKm1az5Lsz_GIoBhVkr9Sl5dHN1mclAuXZiq3nAUN9VhdlJEf2PYIQPl1nkVwrT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYCo58A5jt1_C_Hf041cFjnqaGSvC6P-tGUkYNEQRHgdnA&oe=67CB39CB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731952	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 10:39 PM	1740993495	1749872368		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481181361_1296886884869545_1481177722340805328_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MZL7dTc0hyYQ7kNvgHXYtH8&_nc_oc=Adjd2yxaS22BMmHpJD2LRgMdg9qYgj5TxJgsDrjjCLFIY9Vt5MK8CBZj2T_1HkXx3CSIwDvjboilIi8BmO64Ai3V&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0OWlCLG7HfTad8yrpOK2f&oh=00_AYAdV0SSDcUJuODNAFpWRnpoAkxwC2khV-tO09NRaSzcFw&oe=67CB2C38	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731965	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 2:11 PM	1740993495	1749409895		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482086093_945087351024650_6811996049880573002_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BBDNoRmSK38Q7kNvgGfbrRx&_nc_oc=Adgmty4XdIKS1Shm23AU0tlRThsJuzB0QtY2mumdTxaCZfSniSWSsYdfaKZGrhfX5o427PzXFXAnwfOn-1pznMj4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYA7L1IlCrhWJz0KkhKa7B2OTW8NIXvw1MHbVQ9oGhSwWA&oe=67CB4775	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731977	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 6:45 AM	1740993496	1746704749		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D69197001C3C98BB029526DB71A9C6C777770CE			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481064762_654955990354174_6373008604388730592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U9QkQtz_sM4Q7kNvgHhQIcM&_nc_oc=AdivajccVd5A1IvercfcbPPRjWIZPZGIe8jGMf93e1-1Inx6Ekf8JVBVF5vAiI3cVq1Sige31K9VddOdIsn7hLkj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYCbZ7RlJNwgRNgvJ5sMb-Jw-w5kcD20hTqAOu88iF17uA&oe=67CB2BEF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731975	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 12:24 PM	1740993496	1746725046		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919709A4F8FA25C4EC25E3D6873122FD8D7D8			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074558_9292074594240474_1523187102412810630_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y8L2ila2XuEQ7kNvgEx9tmH&_nc_oc=AdjbqQTBDu7gVI1-JMTzIjGOoXo02d2-yNlW0aASWppM_OLEF3KYJ2gI9Ag9N5vEgS2k4l0tiYFXBismwrWlXGn-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYDbX05tX0nzdb7EXdG1Uy8wke7K9C7iv1Y_LUiZiMhymw&oe=67CB5797	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731979	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 3:26 PM	1740993496	1749500774		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970D02A9883C10DBAEBC4799C51A998EA66			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481317337_448964101545850_874932174498739152_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8T4A62wY4PwQ7kNvgEoR30o&_nc_oc=AdiVPyYFI4JyFF-Ww2lGddCKETLIcjmtmA0upEFoFqweEHFdNE2-n0wNJl81j3kyJA9I61kTKuK5qFrsXbvYUaDv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYBmCxuQTCZHM92ofztz1U60zBiIrTlnKtm7tegrjc3KEw&oe=67CB3BEE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731986	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 5:19 AM	1740993496	1749723579		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970710110CF163AB48B73DC756DE7AD30B0			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481178309_1199719828168872_6321918148015864749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cxu1_ud2LhAQ7kNvgGpLL8k&_nc_oc=AdihnEuU5XTrt72F4eR8oiDnyzglFc7CxGHPAxhB6pFlDQn-o_REeRAMXaILXLUZVCmAW0Oev8wXmL8lFFwYN0gW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYBgDp_0HAbAYE19Gt4bsCITVAeJjHaXztqhiUjSuswzFg&oe=67CB39CD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731990	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:41 AM	1740993496	1749822100		2747																										pages.farsunpteltd.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🎥 New Drama Short 📺 True Love Waits: Love Knows No Deadline 💞✨		https://pages.farsunpteltd.com/?channel_id=29235&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}&ad_name={{ad.name}			3.8894377431348E+14	FlickReels 6	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481176517_449982238105329_834662768035580112_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2W9AmoVvVUUQ7kNvgFqCuKR&_nc_oc=AdiFgf_KCQn7mLJ7DE3uN-Yanr3Us3IVeTTmvid3muC7rTRwDAlunpaYoY4Wl7YgTYGOyNIT12Hyi-fddGJSbh9q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYAcdbE52RwfRsivqsVuvEhfXEx0wEPGIGL9A322eq6g1g&oe=67CB54D0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💞💓❤️😍This drama is really top-notch.Like💞 Lucky😍 I have no acting skills in emotional scenes.		FlickReels 6		12382	https://www.facebook.com/61566894822455/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731991	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:16 PM	1740993496	1746991017		2747																										www.healthymanguide.org	Learn more			VIDEO			https://www.healthymanguide.org/yellow_vitamin			1.3473239304782E+14	BM 02	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481658301_1184225860373100_6562527215244186822_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mQd8ii8sujAQ7kNvgGPeAIk&_nc_oc=AdjEyAicEl3fdeHBRqX-ZgJcFnIn7C0mpGqGoTLpsB5EtnddtnFEu3V4-hlEYlxTDD-zfcVCRCTddS7UQ5V0Tzej&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYAec4Xz_RKQX3ZoErTF66ceYLymkRGPL62tpRoD1IAmrA&oe=67CB5228	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Adam Smith		1636	https://www.facebook.com/61550838130921/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731993	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:33 AM	1740993496	1746977596		2747																										irkfmvsolutions.com	Watch more			VIDEO	انقر لمشاهدة المزيد من مقاطع الفيديو المثيرة👉		https://irkfmvsolutions.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18996&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			1.192224679521E+14	Short Play Recommender	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481023594_1184341976620368_1244434137085480455_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HoF8wndTR1IQ7kNvgHdwPGa&_nc_oc=AdgOgMCtajhCWnypIc5PBnXr1bSPL6Z5A1wSzUrgOH9AYTamm9T2u9gOCs_Vpu82U1xEXolv3PYSBOB7krs2ekgF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYAuAXcvNzwHKKF2NBnRPAeUffveufkttuge9YA9J17F4g&oe=67CB3FF9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥💃🏼⁉️لقد تخلى عني صديقي السابق منذ سبع سنوات وسحق صدقي بلا رحمة أمام الجميع، فقط لأنني لم أكن من نوع الفتاة الغنية التي يمكنها إرضاء غروره. عندما قام بإذلال كرامتي وداسها بشكل متعمد أمام الجميع، أمسك رئيس تنفيذي ثري، رئيسه، بيدي وأعلن مباشرة أنه سيتزوجني سريعًا. 🔥👠😈بمساعدة الرئيس استيقظت من الحلم وكشفت الوجه القبيح لحبيبي السابق. ثم كشفت أيضًا عن هويتي الحقيقية كرئيس لاتحادي المالي. بوجه مليء بالصدمة واليأس، ركع صديقي السابق أمامي وتوسل لي أن أغفر له.		Short Play Recommender		44522	https://www.facebook.com/61553037495588/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731998	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 4:32 PM	1740993496	1749418354		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764A32F8170306B8E962B35D0B5A60CE98FD			4.9823666336868E+14	Dreame TV	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481359151_9166181263436753_8168636358445174420_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PTdsuibebgEQ7kNvgERpbjd&_nc_oc=Adgz3_o7bOS4gjm6YUUlKS7HnR20CD0dsTvixM44ey_wMD26II3ErZOG2BWWFbysXUCQCsbhzzOlscPGBS-PhsWn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYCjsX2IrsMQ7kfj0VH9WNp5J3TdYV21fUL2gm1i1qabYA&oe=67CB4D03	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Dreame TV		73	https://www.facebook.com/61569251063289/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731999	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 3:44 AM	1740993496	1746866648		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	يا إلهي، هل نمت مع رئيسي؟		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16879415-fb-ar-xy35-0126-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=012440&jump=0&exdata=2F22D5A6D2BEFCB72A57E9423A8A6CF795F4FB36C5BD155A			3.9043577749312E+14	CHxpt-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481075440_1305938213964852_4756341478917724863_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ObpEER1YWckQ7kNvgHbHt2h&_nc_oc=AdgBDC9NoBddDEf7c2cceO-jMXW6Xvx28gdNMqzIkznq_Yg-Goe9xp0qEJWLmuML_0WO1-5KHf5ESgPYTf3bRLVr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYCYB3YZdghbH8dNxcXq8GIcqiAWSaeh1YU3X-IeQahIVw&oe=67CB3365	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		خان صديق مادلين عاطفتها، فشعرت بالانكسار واحتست الكحول حتى الثمالة. وفي تلك الليلة، وجدت نفسها في فراش نيكولاس، الذي كان يكبرها بثلاثة عشر عاما. ونتيجة لذلك، دخلا في علاقة زواج. ظنت مادلين أن زواجهما مجرد علاقة خالية من الحب، لكنها دون أن تدرك وقعت في الفخ الذي نسجه نيكولاس بحبه لها. كان ينتظر بصبر أن تبادله نفس المشاعر.		CHxpt-TV		198	https://www.facebook.com/61565612192772/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732002	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 4:20 PM	1740993496	1746998424		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970C37CE2E5F5AF859CD3272D329DB16123			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481670463_524080117435546_5002355185165805727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JSLNDLqaQNAQ7kNvgGvRQtv&_nc_oc=Adg4HAY5Con827S1V_mpStnTYxzNDfGnsV_YVSUTf7Zap7UTVt-ZR3aG4sHfWZaS7CI-hVoytcgLx39vXr0n0oVj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYByqehIwFIqXNMSiiOvBc6UPMPo4d2zPUL8DblvrulV-Q&oe=67CB3ACF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732003	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 6:08 PM	1740993496	1747004912		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO			https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.7272335924657E+14	Mo-TV	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481096118_1005006908147810_5824044037773619339_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yNEcZZUMf3sQ7kNvgFDYt80&_nc_oc=AdilHJgCl-LjQGWYVZya3Mjrh-2n1zVdvFSnzQSaZob6ei_C5rb_HZQGQABWcc4MzKxaW1Ubl8rl-naWB-g2f39d&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYCER9C6GetRZiUKUyVjSDV4kwpEhY19ySp3lEKOeTt5Dw&oe=67CB3038	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Se emborrachó y acabó acostándose con Nicolas, trece años mayor que ella, por lo que contrajeron matrimonio. Madalyn creía que era un matrimonio sin amor, pero, sin saberlo, había caído en la trampa del amor de Nicolás. Él esperaba que ella le correspondiera.		Mo-TV		4827	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732006	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 9:56 AM	1740993496	1749221819		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982E9F347A87E3D8166628183A78E16612C			3.8425781810914E+14	Sabrina	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481913863_658534216740017_4361602478680352879_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wQeBP8iU2x8Q7kNvgFrKGWO&_nc_oc=AdiENGYKsptP16PjoFFldGq5BuujKIQ2S1Cb5howIF3xSXpcugbGYdOPGcOQf9MnOR3RIs3Abgr_q_f4O6E2kS7r&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYDImQJeFkqQwo6g4TwejlVfhgLabmFFrN5rzWtWvdSYVg&oe=67CB41FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Sabrina		42	https://www.facebook.com/61564585926226/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732011	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 5:13 AM	1740993496	1749204787		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.0560701930403E+14	Mobotv	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481264279_523531263676937_764573372433253880_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PZCF_BZFhBMQ7kNvgFYmixs&_nc_oc=AdgXPuMzyhIrcL4UsmUqzof98E1aIadDk_y87LI7IY9UatKpdMOHYrAkFOdaeWU3xq-SVUHnhMNfZzdBm3YL2mZH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYCCuZRLWUz_cCSe5WufZDj-MSLgumPBhjLRbMwn5c7_ug&oe=67CB28FB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Mobotv		3426	https://www.facebook.com/61555028687919/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732014	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 4:59 PM	1740993496	1747087161		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Una Seconda Occasione con la Mia Amante Segreta		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			4.1221819197276E+14	Video reel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481235697_683441570799120_4048393442189615636_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sBT_qI3Qaj4Q7kNvgGGrz81&_nc_oc=AdjHydMr1U8VUnpm09FfkrR8wI2Omht04_hgk6bcsC59Xo-HHh4mcuwEq0WJLTuwJ9B-6Sl7PwgdIeKIx960hIwf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYBptuTtKb4uNItRGxZ8FY6BwnkgIlHNREfXcwXT8qeX3g&oe=67CB51A5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Addicted in 5 secondi, ho guardato tutto fino al gran finale in un colpo solo! Specialmente l'episodio 6. &1&		Video reel		3504	https://www.facebook.com/61565051422822/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732016	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:31 PM	1740993496	1747071066		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F98036403118C497A5C28288AAF4AB9D4CD6C			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481211024_3982365385312897_9034551212253450954_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3-aXYgmGAoMQ7kNvgFn8h4b&_nc_oc=Adj78D8lyv0K_9X3yotFeUvibecLWe99882ykz2LGCXChcGMc8W4S_81GW_mPe607hUbUNBHl8lMrnwnuA8QzEqH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYCZlMRWA56HJpb16WOlDPW6tUXhqhXq6NXSuSuHMFK9tQ&oe=67CB38DD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732018	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 12:15 PM	1740993496	1746983728		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F98030DBFE9D793C797D77C57BA1F68AC01D7			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481239601_1044306974398135_697617062697045428_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LW9Tmm66Ji0Q7kNvgGfTgOR&_nc_oc=AdhMBBhkX4azAQd_mwY5tlMfWR6RblLSl3J_9QaUVE09zn9aXtbRT5YVzW9SoBhoMVKIW5vp29XqQziGJAgGaj_0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYCvBsKwKMfaN_tGjHWvzjCFdr0YgVTQ0Tf6Nu5xf09kwQ&oe=67CB2B99	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732021	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 10:16 AM	1740993497	1746803815		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970210143FF5A59CE6BBB76AF5C5522E915			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480746302_647830007635847_8275023028038373195_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VJq1PLqILucQ7kNvgFf8TZX&_nc_oc=AdjvrM3j1XyzuB6CnYnwnFMkE0QTnKWcbTNo7f6PDcNcJQrrNxCJsFHLlvgU3hYi2X8vSCcpMUTYQnH2e6lctGHb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYBUBV_HP4rdN7F0d-X_ydi6KYWpr9cJw5t39rfMwE7VUA&oe=67CB294E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732023	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 1:09 PM	1740993497	1749233354		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F98031A8A6ACCDCA0613676690A04658C4D71			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481076295_599780269713450_348692423169049378_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dF50ICHfqaEQ7kNvgE9ZHAr&_nc_oc=AdjQ9DwJ5GiVgD7KRDku3OKFvV7dEK9eN_rn1jMA_ZsHi2PrBrPIxhs6j4d82xX_M-n1cRZUvDePu1yZp3So3UdD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYBqIx4gr9hXkkI_5tOiPFbYvmFEuQI92R6fHwAm5eZWng&oe=67CB3755	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732027	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:36 AM	1740993497	1746966967		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F9803F68B5B3C28E7FB6835D83EB56CCF6925			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481048367_1932383037288277_2249477506441842679_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_1nFUYffAsEQ7kNvgGz1i4g&_nc_oc=Adi5uC2N3wLqfFjYyRSkmaDff8CFhXvRFcJbvosMEzWH-0TKbwvqZxPVZ2ubgbDF9xyC9jvh0VvryF-AxeHm6iI4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYBe3raZIzXAjN6LhUK_SpAKqoXIh8pxMzknFxBj5oaCSQ&oe=67CB5112	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732028	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 10:07 AM	1740993497	1747062456		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO			https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.7272335924657E+14	Mo-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481194482_1152589693021823_4361560534482359070_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RKtfLoaHNKEQ7kNvgF1dBDy&_nc_oc=AdgYwthQoOvtnM-uW3e8dhwYxnaj1Jd6lw_jEtjlbtQ8tUHS2s-HH9GGaaXy4hU3NlSm8YynMNZDnMk9lcahTTmj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYDArHZQfnGCqQhmJL0cykqVE7jX2b1Yp3ZcHtFkFEFBZA&oe=67CB3936	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Se emborrachó y acabó acostándose con Nicolas, trece años mayor que ella, por lo que contrajeron matrimonio. Madalyn creía que era un matrimonio sin amor, pero, sin saberlo, había caído en la trampa del amor de Nicolás. Él esperaba que ella le correspondiera.		Mo-TV		4827	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732031	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 4:16 AM	1740993497	1749287764		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919700371B490AED83A8041806E75261FB8F9			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482018861_612588101512703_7988242064216146938_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=U-wOsB2XpogQ7kNvgF42Es9&_nc_oc=AdgqaN4luFn49xEJOwo4OxzpblfhCXrOThpWS6CMuj39emiS_lw2m-MSJhjHJWYBtYNMj-cqrm-GaN0x2pSTDrrh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AlM5JEilpAq-8a0I4IH0VHw&oh=00_AYB6NQjl3yp51w0UiFC9vhX4NpbYlNmS7D_LXR-wwJUaNQ&oe=67CB514F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732034	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 8:40 PM	1740993497	1747100402		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Una Seconda Occasione con la Mia Amante Segreta		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			4.1221819197276E+14	Video reel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481269901_1275516943544589_2232027884741256820_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JItLVvZFVQ0Q7kNvgFMP4gD&_nc_oc=AdibpROjy-IHXQ70HQCln1zLnKdp-W8i4cocYxwjO6E45ampnCjdy0py6hXxI6ciysvdtBN49wUA2SqY4y9TEY31&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYBsw-Lpqsq0cOuQ028324LqV_g5Ub6SSgWhbHVjzK1evA&oe=67CB4059	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Addicted in 5 secondi, ho guardato tutto fino al gran finale in un colpo solo! Specialmente l'episodio 6. &1&		Video reel		3504	https://www.facebook.com/61565051422822/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
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2732041	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993497	1740993497		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Click to watch now!😏		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newreading.goodreels			1.5306032789706E+14	Short Drama Channel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481251149_4074350006170098_1973996068308730395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wnmGYNAXFbsQ7kNvgGDmgDU&_nc_oc=AdgwJbQywqnV9t9-y0thaCJy1UdPj7_45epAwFLirNn6f9o1gUmDqwNuqLyDGQmhS0Q28Eq-ArfElQvLj8R1qiZs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYBJ-96kuZyPG_d5HmNUwouEBgLaOg35SywNyKADwLcjHQ&oe=67CB3183	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥💥👠In her past life, her adopted sister drained her dry and had her beaten to death. Reborn, she cut ties with her cold-hearted family. Using her memories, she turned bottled water into a tenfold profit after an earthquake, then launched BikBok, which raked in billions in its first month. 💰👑Rising fast, she founded ROA Group, now valued at $10 billion. Her fortune surpassed $100 billion. 💅🏻🤡When her adopted sister begged for a piece of her empire, she simply painted her nails and said,"Sweet sis? You’ve drained 4000CC of my blood—time to pay me back, with interest!" #GoodShortapp		Short Drama Channel		142011	https://www.facebook.com/61553285674756/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732044	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993497	1740993497		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9046D9214CF26A3178515E69629BF4AEC9A			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480768776_1810555086376023_4279840777873128830_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PF1fbjihP2gQ7kNvgHFx05x&_nc_oc=AdjqtOguBa6JEnItPv-X0UDMS1Oyt8n4gIldjBQamxE25de_0cBEGLHIW7ybvxrI_3hnpU89wvoWiEbF4V_sz7Ba&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYAFQ5mL1ToZDDb3SKxd3MrZjzOdH-layYg-PP6lJD-p6w&oe=67CB31D3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732046	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993497	1740993497		2747																										www.onecompress.com	Learn more			VIDEO	combat foot neuropathy pain while sleeping - NEW product available now	100% natural | free shipping | 60-day money back guarantee	https://www.onecompress.com/products/bamboofootsleeves			1.0070842496458E+14	One Compress	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481302846_1538841524168575_1301844699246852370_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FW2id425ResQ7kNvgF0wQmu&_nc_oc=AdjZAlkq-o2qkvwr8_21HdSCSL2eTe6oO79x6cTaa4NiDaSB0NuYUgBQB3MDwqFPQVxsWTl4InxZYgTO3QTvY7RI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYAhoZy3dD7hWfDmlU4tTUqPnHxncVR765O-VczXJ6VHMw&oe=67CB3D35	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Combat foot neuropathy pain without medication" ✅100% natural ✅Effortless ✅Fast-acting NEW Bamboo Anti-Fatigue Socks that combat foot pains, neuropathy, swelling, diabetic foot and more while sleeping... 1. Superbly Soft - Luxuriously soft and only gets softer everytime you wash it. 2. Thermoregulating - Warms you when it's cold and cools you when it's hot. 3. Native Freshness - Wicks moisture and prevents bad odor 4X better than cotton. 4. Naturally Anti-Bacterial - Natural micro-gaps make it extremely breathable, bacteria-free and hypoallergenic. 5. Eco-Friendly - Water consumption is 66% less than cotton and produces 10X more output per acre. "Learn More" for Exclusive Coupon Code: 👉 onecompress.com/bamboofoot		One Compress		7929	https://www.facebook.com/100066420470751/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732050	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993497	1740993497		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.0560701930403E+14	Mobotv	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481071837_1189739749160608_1630066916745032261_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=juEXkaLrhOUQ7kNvgGoQ4MI&_nc_oc=Adh9U-Ph09p0lNxyMQ8xEsDfllOa9axTH5wvRo-j2hUqa33x-FN5dS5NZzW9n6wLNpoqT-fEkR98CJpACoVzHhAy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYDBkLQo5YLFM4gYlkipDa36_3YYcRRJM2gAPM9BocKj0g&oe=67CB4B8D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Mobotv		3426	https://www.facebook.com/61555028687919/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732049	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:20 PM	1740993497	1746991226		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO			https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.7272335924657E+14	Mo-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481355247_1782612888976431_8828135411975610881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hAUBF72LNpAQ7kNvgHmPZ3P&_nc_oc=Adi8cOsxPCWsM7BJ3tbN5NYmI2JMy1Kg2SEzmjPSHcn_NhfpHojSeW8BHEYRrw9GRzkwcrEBGti2SuPRdK9QijPh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYDzO1a6_a9k0uWDN8KetMUC8PGMJYB275Q1EP5n4gJfVA&oe=67CB4A2A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Se emborrachó y acabó acostándose con Nicolas, trece años mayor que ella, por lo que contrajeron matrimonio. Madalyn creía que era un matrimonio sin amor, pero, sin saberlo, había caído en la trampa del amor de Nicolás. Él esperaba que ella le correspondiera.		Mo-TV		4827	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732053	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:15 PM	1740993497	1746299728		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F9803008087D1C28EB355D466601DBCC681DF			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481673855_2939678242861070_6028304293420597194_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=82OFNgVext8Q7kNvgGvqRaY&_nc_oc=AdhLzN315PT0nDUjdyAZv2IuSS0x7Qs0Y8IB3u9RhXtF0yKu8EcgEQUDze8r8WnA_HstRg-V7aef3omcftm1XFfg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYDyKiVCq_me2iAoY6Fb47dcgB53Jr3MUe0eB5SmC-Z5mA&oe=67CB32E0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732052	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 12:30 PM	1740993497	1745947838		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	The Unwanted Wife's Unexpected Comeback		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE904A7E1D2FD89670A66FFD364A363B02EA7			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481820089_2068066080380545_8291890553800455351_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2GHKHfGS4BkQ7kNvgGCAGvT&_nc_oc=AdgYWlfJVC6oIGgQizhhOy3lLq2UBs2dwstqVIl7zPrNdbLDQHbKsiR8ozBB6WBDtzO-gvCEl88h4rXU06xkDUTM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYBf_HaJHmQmAMumYX1HgaW4C5OxAg3W31Vb3g6vaQO0jA&oe=67CB52EB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732054	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 3:12 AM	1740993497	1747123974		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982E8E0C300D594E09BDAD0FBBAB9715821			1.0260223910568E+14	Moboreader-Ahh	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481238545_511607214965103_2197755132510014998_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cj4y4iaEWBoQ7kNvgGWjDuo&_nc_oc=AdjDAuqhzf3cOVsXZF99E-h8rj9ZNo6cm3nV6ZP5OACLfr4NDj5YQkfU6iWYF1ETX_Cf3KLcUFfByuyeJAp3pvI1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYBl0GDeWmSlxDzoJPUakTa8u_H7Uu9rdkpfIj7Dw7QLLQ&oe=67CB53E8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		Moboreader-Ahh		2003	https://www.facebook.com/100083399166114/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732059	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 8:08 AM	1740993497	1747055333		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9043C32A62A4F8D64A1DA9F7CA5A7CA46EB			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481063019_957378539794178_5402739855216652107_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Xt7M92RpX1oQ7kNvgFk6LMU&_nc_oc=Adj82EOmQlgYG0N7phXNkzuEHxwg7ZLwMaxGxXHctDCYNT6qZh_pOXcnmNyLudWWXcSfI1aRr5Cu482CoXSMAa_P&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYCYm_d9H32yEf9wHh74EhLKufnAULDhp6ZmcHRwdya-0A&oe=67CB5000	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732060	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:49 AM	1740993497	1747028965		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE90478EC944EFB5BE55DCAA217CA77F94BEA			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481151405_1339155053886401_5545543887290243706_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VjRmnkHtqmYQ7kNvgEWjgB5&_nc_oc=AdjXqWawjGzgJn4mMhJ80NJmdfVfQg7O71y4BnRB-xaJki9XXr2W20lZhopYEM2uZ551hmB-DEVkiyCx1jAiXZaw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYBVuhav63vp30JsDStD2cM0RpO5cx0ddtnSIi1g37TQ2g&oe=67CB4E18	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732061	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 10:00 PM	1740993497	1746327614		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481278569_1002849438359012_7919825916348651925_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Wt2ezRhg0cQ7kNvgHmQTZ3&_nc_oc=AdjJQS4PSiXuiU7lAXzEG7n3RSXac4UbhpNEWVfiePeDib7-SquD5vwcZuNjiEWljGz3xVMhTeJvOnSCfZ4Hxmhh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYAgrzD_lHVrsWZUd_5pLp51APgBks2QpEz90pxi98BQbA&oe=67CB3B4C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732062	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 2:17 AM	1740993497	1746429468		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=DBA5B0CFC69BB0FE43FC3A5FB2D89E1A0032814F1745A581			3.9131869407293E+14	MoboReels	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481998725_653306623808616_7779883245470092481_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oHt_JcJrpfEQ7kNvgHzzDqY&_nc_oc=AdiJsBA-qF1fBYS14M1UMnMdzAvB8cGlj_38tYyy8BfUqJHO2dtcSvo-HPpSyTwWJkcmmFVXFgsjoF44Vr0XAzxx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYBFMie0JcP5uYs6OntcUV0e8l2KnpETMtvd8g1IAMFyTg&oe=67CB52D8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		MoboReels		44	https://www.facebook.com/61565866059965/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732065	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 3:09 PM	1740993497	1746302992		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO			https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.7272335924657E+14	Mo-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481471494_2717500731790219_1924362280219937355_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NslzcxmBADAQ7kNvgGDeWwG&_nc_oc=AdihQaVCLk3r_9KIdpzOPDNqtX6zVVAPbcr5BmD4-CWmsr0gmSoP47ustb19i-3YKj7_WGbcmJkdT253Lr7pi5wR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYAJrBIqkj3qQ-06p_IaALS645eTNNAntUQplWoPz4w51Q&oe=67CB3207	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Se emborrachó y acabó acostándose con Nicolas, trece años mayor que ella, por lo que contrajeron matrimonio. Madalyn creía que era un matrimonio sin amor, pero, sin saberlo, había caído en la trampa del amor de Nicolás. Él esperaba que ella le correspondiera.		Mo-TV		4827	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732069	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 7:18 PM	1740993497	1746317907		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Celestial Queen: Revenge Is Sweet When You're A Zillionaire Heiress		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970FFDB808343FD9D15C9327697BDB6F661			4.5706239083167E+14	Fun reading A	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481994489_1196905261858667_4717985117078582909_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SYg5EYbNgCgQ7kNvgG_J4nV&_nc_oc=AdibXd8GMwhkTOMOsblHm9DztGCFQfZKblXcO3_dQ1eT5nWCWLbjh1LHBTQukegsaPlK1itWsApu4tn-s3EBfoV0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYBY9sK1vuLiOfMJcmIPB-mpm5GEbYUIRp4i7aia9P6bvw&oe=67CB42B5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Fun reading A		23	https://www.facebook.com/61569549552159/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732067	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 10:52 PM	1740993497	1746330751		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Download the app to watch more exciting episodes		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16675322-fb-en-xy35-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=235613&jump=0&exdata=A66DDB89487E764A6938181D6D75477DEFFDBDF8C53DC880			4.9823666336868E+14	Dreame TV	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481025801_2140003733147134_8613798567595757854_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aLBzrQSCf1sQ7kNvgEhAOZm&_nc_oc=Adh3xvPoH0Lowcnlqt9XNz1FhIRrozCpbSDumQxgoEqaa4nFBovd19dmfCuaIG1jpjq2PCKgqQh2N2efczxW2JFH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYB4CPfxG5J2aMUSzPRGFGsEtNMxmPQvpbFOrj_4RjLyJg&oe=67CB5F12	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Madalyn's boyfriend cheated on her. She got drunk and ended up sleeping with Nicolas, who was thirteen years older than her. As a result, they entered into matrimony. Madalyn believed it to be a loveless marriage, however, she had unknowingly fallen into the trap set with Nicolas's love. He was waiting for her to love him back.		Dreame TV		73	https://www.facebook.com/61569251063289/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732071	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 5:36 PM	1740993498	1747089379		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO			https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.changdu.mobovideo			2.7272335924657E+14	Mo-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481124140_618045141023416_9056916779327456613_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hi4fLFuVi0wQ7kNvgGkOKtq&_nc_oc=AdhJi0n0DXeR3GJJQuckAE4ksA7LhfXKm2IGjXkTKCyK3QAQ_qUBtU67FbGuw842YgS99WZzDrC7dnaKh2cUUEhw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYDi3iBzS5-BChuu6HfU8S12XrehPaRt25A6f7uWaZHHVg&oe=67CB558F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Se emborrachó y acabó acostándose con Nicolas, trece años mayor que ella, por lo que contrajeron matrimonio. Madalyn creía que era un matrimonio sin amor, pero, sin saberlo, había caído en la trampa del amor de Nicolás. Él esperaba que ella le correspondiera.		Mo-TV		4827	https://www.facebook.com/61556983348059/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732073	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/4/25, 11:49 AM	1740993498	1751647786		2747																										https://fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	👉🏽 😍		https://app.freedomwtracey.com/echfree/?aff_sub1={{campaign.name}}&aff_sub2={{adset.name}}&aff_sub3={{ad.name}}&aff_id={{campaign.name}}&sid={{adset.name}}&sid2={{ad.name}}			5.3278254992232E+14	Dr Mark	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481291884_1206009740881442_4512797612413595861_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ahp6q8YKHDIQ7kNvgEnVATh&_nc_oc=AdiPDsS0vMkHUMNhDF2mPvblpMxRgArRGhgBWJjHnxS4WWU4JNIRwYKa-lkbwfNQACwD1gdsWYPndcPit6SHPQfB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYDhGuuBmLHN8Iw6FnKBeYZj2XvZnQIgcIZ6JyI9Bcsirw&oe=67CB32D5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		✅ 🔊		Dr Mark		270	https://www.facebook.com/61572513215076/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732075	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:56 PM	1740993498	1747025796		2747																										https://fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	👉🏽 😍		https://app.freedomwtracey.com/echfree/?aff_sub1={{campaign.name}}&aff_sub2={{adset.name}}&aff_sub3={{ad.name}}&aff_id={{campaign.name}}&sid={{adset.name}}&sid2={{ad.name}}			5.3278254992232E+14	Dr Mark	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481043013_1175215510729852_518254397997189264_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1Jt8SWpvVD8Q7kNvgHTIn1E&_nc_oc=AdgRP8SfPMAXG3gelAQpfRqz8b3LcJdVG01xNRav4srwvjJe7YKS6cpfEu64YJ4p3EmguGKcY3enBy-xXU25hasb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYAaUC42FZA6r3koetOQXTdLmIE6DTmK-Goi39KyYnS7jQ&oe=67CB4B8B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		✅ 🔊		Dr Mark		270	https://www.facebook.com/61572513215076/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732078	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993498	1740993498		2747																										vulpinevitamin.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Your Brain’s New Best Friend	Fight oxidative stress and enhance brain energy naturally.	https://www.vulpinevitamin.com/products/brain-focus-duo			4.4985321488262E+14	Vulpine Vitamin	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481710606_1791557931694587_3066403127401054323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Iu9GPt4C294Q7kNvgFdsYK3&_nc_oc=AdginktAG3kPgUfs1CPv1aP_e9uM6k5f0qGXFZxsB90GtA0GwrRpJM-iZ4oiIqTcKGUJghdHO9xYTBcrp6PzeJuN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYAvtnJLwGumvmjyk_MTNsgNYWsvgJe73H6usRmucv2ZMg&oe=67CB414B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fight oxidative stress and enhance brain energy naturally.		Vulpine Vitamin		4	https://www.facebook.com/61568237330268/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732076	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:05 AM	1740993498	1746965114		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DILPF1050537.html?language=en&timestamp=1740211932320&channelCode=DILPF1050537&bid=41000107888&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481329726_1004286218228521_2395020850292999592_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lWv3zn9lOPoQ7kNvgE9eSUv&_nc_oc=Adi00q9knYA2W8fiD09zKyLS7ErUIznMNIi-zDY4DofjRxK-eLU9wwO9cupsFKKnCPzCcX8xBFd19_o9OU9QO0W0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYA5kVFypkqOgBGKt3cKxivZVQo2L4R_JDZxu0fG2VsDzA&oe=67CB423E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		All of your friends are watching. Download now to get more!🤩		DramaBox- drama movies2		282197	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732079	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/6/25, 2:54 AM	1740993498	1746518097		2747																										vulpinevitamin.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Your Brain’s New Best Friend	Fight oxidative stress and enhance brain energy naturally.	https://www.vulpinevitamin.com/products/brain-focus-duo			4.4985321488262E+14	Vulpine Vitamin	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481710606_1791557931694587_3066403127401054323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Iu9GPt4C294Q7kNvgFdsYK3&_nc_oc=AdginktAG3kPgUfs1CPv1aP_e9uM6k5f0qGXFZxsB90GtA0GwrRpJM-iZ4oiIqTcKGUJghdHO9xYTBcrp6PzeJuN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYAvtnJLwGumvmjyk_MTNsgNYWsvgJe73H6usRmucv2ZMg&oe=67CB414B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fight oxidative stress and enhance brain energy naturally.		Vulpine Vitamin		4	https://www.facebook.com/61568237330268/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732080	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 8:23 PM	1740993498	1747099384		2747																										vulpinevitamin.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Your Brain’s New Best Friend	Fight oxidative stress and enhance brain energy naturally.	https://www.vulpinevitamin.com/products/brain-focus-duo			4.4985321488262E+14	Vulpine Vitamin	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481710606_1791557931694587_3066403127401054323_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Iu9GPt4C294Q7kNvgFdsYK3&_nc_oc=AdginktAG3kPgUfs1CPv1aP_e9uM6k5f0qGXFZxsB90GtA0GwrRpJM-iZ4oiIqTcKGUJghdHO9xYTBcrp6PzeJuN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYAvtnJLwGumvmjyk_MTNsgNYWsvgJe73H6usRmucv2ZMg&oe=67CB414B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fight oxidative stress and enhance brain energy naturally.		Vulpine Vitamin		4	https://www.facebook.com/61568237330268/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732087	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993498	1740993498		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn More			DCO	Tap “Learn more”	A simple vitamin...	https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481258905_1351004925914564_6730399146628986347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8dXCO9GpGLEQ7kNvgFhPszc&_nc_oc=AdjJL-FuFVodxpJ9G3FbtA8N6eazq9GiElqRYcRW3Ak0klx__-Wl6TWLRdS4-BnFySUxoDUEArZHZ9JrurLL1-II&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYC7JFz6AK6rjUG8BMpokdp6atmCc5acaYUIfkf0tXEQPg&oe=67CB4A21	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		First, it was just tingling in my feet… 👉 then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732089	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 11:31 PM	1740993498	1749529866		2747																										thepapertomorrow.com	Learn more			IMAGE	A simple vitamin...		https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481675657_2038786846638984_4028006222734481165_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NmI-DNE_cioQ7kNvgF5a5cC&_nc_oc=AdjMjSJ3L_yrVll2lr88YnRxEcNiPRh56WFlvECD5Wl4nw2crtWmPhbcEAZA0JG2lmFp5s8z-beXDcfuXETzKSmy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYC6fw9QsZ__9coQFJJz2VWNFIK0HkrgpM9k0zl8VUdIsw&oe=67CB359B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732097	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 12:33 PM	1740993498	1747071218		2747																										nervecare.shop	Learn more			VIDEO	Learn About Natural Practices for Sciatic Nerve Well-Being	Discover how research-based approaches can help alleviate back discomfort and improve your quality of life.	https://nervecare.shop/			4.8427247811144E+14	NerveCare App	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480706380_986536502976108_3970269893304983532_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=y5svPlZSCacQ7kNvgHAy-Ax&_nc_oc=Adiv90WQ3o_TfHgVzNH96pyrQMA1TbhSzG2udYcjo00EVR2Z3DuQS5IR9t9YqYPGF5dqWZ12B3uQKC6ADsT97Hex&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYByj62HX3xnXANjJyneXKfbmAUKEY99RyDzzQQ3OQ2B7Q&oe=67CB5A97	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Watch this about SCIATIC NERVE PAIN		NerveCare App		5	https://www.facebook.com/61571197912509/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732094	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993498	1740993498		2747																										www.optinutra.site	Learn more			VIDEO	watch now		https://www.optinutra.site/			4.8242707496508E+14	Edward Les	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480860169_621384524095922_2710560706577136547_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V_mqEasGhg8Q7kNvgEBnWpj&_nc_oc=Adiitd0IocoOHlicdDp0AYASRVlbtKk9S8_y7Ow5gazu6boNbM2otHX2H2sgNah4cgOuogtM-_ITqfxdpCokYaoG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxVQ33cixlC6usphzuKzYMB&oh=00_AYBjdRK5HUZ6NIii1npAE2yLea4zQfK8_r5SCS7PfIm0-w&oe=67CB2791	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Edward Les		51	https://www.facebook.com/61572896811192/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732095	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993498	1740993498		2747																										news.discoveryhf.online	Learn more			VIDEO	Click and watch		https://news.discoveryhf.online/inwcgwr2ya?utm_source=CA3&utm_medium={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{adset.name}}&utm_term={{ad.name}}			3.4060661579316E+14	Alana Rios	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482233307_1812302519557417_3598471877849378667_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TGj3uATpbj8Q7kNvgGERiSp&_nc_oc=AdgRnrKTJ90aPlv8ARBf5z84_SB_uaVa1xD8n9QrlEs0ZlIgo1h3Sea1s1C73SEDR0jg5oOy00nhvdp8THF39Gea&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYC4fvFZMvrKLVzesjUgahA-nUAUKdp3Kf7n0kKFg7lhxg&oe=67CB3640	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Discovery more		Alana Rios		59	https://www.facebook.com/61559869976834/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732096	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 2:03 AM	1740993498	1747033407		2747																										nervecare.shop	Learn more			VIDEO	Learn About Natural Practices for Sciatic Nerve Well-Being	Discover how research-based approaches can help alleviate back discomfort and improve your quality of life.	https://nervecare.shop/			4.8427247811144E+14	NerveCare App	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482223619_29547877031478403_6284106067345645188_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kqJe5mhcOuYQ7kNvgHYddc1&_nc_oc=AdjiBarRgYfsoKY4OB88ART8bRg2GAVjWCh0Levhxf1PoCyrGtbYT0a-OKNjXh7wD-OfCp5ZA9jTgTNCzLgFPJaV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYA-bOYPreJEqFsBo3XvNgLsk1J1oGeS0n12GYCYF-mo6g&oe=67CB369F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Watch this about SCIATIC NERVE PAIN		NerveCare App		5	https://www.facebook.com/61571197912509/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732098	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/13/25, 11:44 PM	1740993498	1747197864		2747																										thepapertomorrow.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Simple Vitamin Banished My Nerve Pain		https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67bf8f696e92eed8f7d5a7f5?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481296106_917782867097613_2160727929696839499_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CWlj_IW1DxQQ7kNvgFFTZs_&_nc_oc=Adg3el6X3NkgMF4Es2NRaHvLDS2_cjcsf2_doAUZCVcOTbkXOgOV-zeylbGr6SqHXKKp8OcR5-k1plQfqH-ia8mt&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYAOl2Q7kn2Jbi3uUYCc8hwPyEhWB9f3iOmCFc1Ii_KPCQ&oe=67CB5EB8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life… No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids. I felt like a prisoner in my own body! I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse. I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try. And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation. Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious! Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out. They sent me the video below and the simple vitamin that changed my life as I know it. It pointed to the surprising root cause of my nerve pain, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of. “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now. The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around. The best part… I feel normal again! My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore! No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again! Please take the burning and tingling seriously while you still have the chance. Tap “Learn more” now		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732100	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993498	1740993498		2747																										www.the-neuropathy-treatment.com	Watch more			VIDEO	How To Never Having Neuropathy Again!		https://thebillionairebrainwave.click/vipzowcfn2/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}}&sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&cwr={{campaign.id}}&cname={{campaign.name}}&domain={{domain}}&placement={{placement}}&adset={{adset.name}}&adname={{ad.name}}&site={{site_source_name}}&xid=0i3bg5lz&sck={{campaign.name}}&src={{ad.name}}			1.4923584726636E+14	Emily Hayes	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480985473_655868950457912_125928468832307990_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5ihhrEb2EGQQ7kNvgHe15ne&_nc_oc=AdiAqgCAJzkfZi-AwqMy_GWu_8j5QdnUnzy59JBgqjcOuI1jFiN9n69e4hvdE-HzfvdWnwgjnXmIfmYPLCxF6pDa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYBvWOLGe5KQHRUURZvKJueWiuVQthynVy9d-x0l05L9GQ&oe=67CB3031	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Emily Hayes		763	https://www.facebook.com/100089735587294/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732104	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:46 AM	1740993498	1746978409		2747																										website.metronovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	😎Click here to Read on More Spicy Chapters👉		https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle_new/lv2jyrpkmxi3aioozhlfmsnj?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			3.5900779063621E+14	Love stories and books	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481569830_652254623916711_2689261235827376610_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_xEeKNELzWYQ7kNvgGuiTUn&_nc_oc=Adh-yIZgaugrkX5yoblD2XAUx5YfRcreiWjHmvQq3Vqgh4C5Lb3fxotjfg8m-0SBZ1GyhXeCK2W2lL98UXCGIsUN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYCKMXPVvOoeDldMbOUO5nsrs26aHVJilRg0voXcIjm30A&oe=67CB3D51	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."		Love stories and books		70	https://www.facebook.com/61563510724242/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732103	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:59 AM	1740993498	1746982791		2747																										website.metronovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	😎Click here to Read on More Spicy Chapters👉		https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle_new/lv2jyrpkmxi3aioozhlfmsnj?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			3.5900779063621E+14	Love stories and books	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481190881_562375480169173_8899737659690408099_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cNuf2KM-apgQ7kNvgF63q9N&_nc_oc=AdirB25tevNAnjAatLvlBA9VjUB-xrc-NVTmLtn7S3YfmWwCNtrFiMCEqwaJn6TQCy35mvMCuYLgOUvk6W-8-zYf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYCP6qyP2NqZ_jV124mOwZPKNpHDkZBRpmHqxGl2YRzd2w&oe=67CB502E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."		Love stories and books		70	https://www.facebook.com/61563510724242/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732108	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 4:48 AM	1740993498	1749462519		2747																										www.healthynature.life	Learn more			VIDEO			https://www.healthynature.life/vsl			5.454288419939E+14	Healthy Relief	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480645874_678773527817508_5164173987724436888_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R1D7bc_yIS4Q7kNvgG_DMCI&_nc_oc=AdjEDantCqFHLMlzcvecN-RxXxIqb5w4vuqhTvCmZBCaVZl29ZT-0prJ8vVY-b0patCIlSzomi5v0pCRL3L4kqFI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYB3iEYuRUjyANjY67h_APPGuBqYa2n4xZapc8MX9Fn9DA&oe=67CB4820	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Healthy Relief		18	https://www.facebook.com/61573198982691/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732109	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:31 PM	1740993498	1749857477		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			VIDEO			http://instagram.com/qicafe.io			4.4734117511923E+14	QiCafe	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481995611_534519272451044_9043051805966763005_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cHKghyWExdYQ7kNvgGxCKCA&_nc_oc=AdjpJmm_X1P_eGa0BoIuKNHFcu-zJHD4kBQvzQyYS3IOfzsAp3ppaPNQpYxwSu_aKhOMTlWsfjcWYBqVdJErwy_O&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYAEPkUcoJ0Tw8s5bz4hZSi4J-Y8eh8-nhQW0tSSUy17TA&oe=67CB5A8B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emotions are stored in the gut through a complex interaction of the nervous system, microbiome, and biochemical signaling. The gut is often called the “second brain” because of the enteric nervous system (ENS), a vast network of neurons lining the digestive tract that communicates bidirectionally with the brain via the gut-brain axis. Here’s how emotions get “stored” in the gut: 1. Neural Pathways (Gut-Brain Axis) - The vagus nerve is a major highway for emotional signals traveling between the gut and brain. Stress, trauma, or emotional experiences can create patterns in this communication, leading to gut-based emotional memory. - The ENS processes emotions independently of the brain, which is why we often “feel” emotions in our gut (e.g., butterflies in the stomach, gut-wrenching fear). 2. Neurotransmitters & Hormones - Serotonin: Around 90% of serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut. Imbalances can lead to anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation. - Cortisol & Adrenaline: Chronic stress can cause the gut to hold onto emotional trauma, leading to digestive issues like IBS, inflammation, or dysbiosis. 3. The Microbiome’s Role - The gut microbiome influences mood and emotional resilience. An imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to anxiety, depression, or heightened emotional sensitivity. 4. Cellular Memory & Muscle Tension - The gut has a high concentration of smooth muscle and fascia, which can store tension from emotional experiences, similar to how trauma is held in body tissues. 5. Emotional Perspective - Unprocessed emotions or suppressed trauma can manifest in gut disorders, mirroring unresolved energetic blockages. This is why healing the gut through diet, mindfulness, and emotional processing can lead to profound shifts in mental and emotional well-being. Would you like insights on how to release stored emotions from the gut? Book a session: https://qicafe.io/our-practitioners/detail-practitioners/salome @qicafe #qicafehealing #emotionalhealth #gutbrainaxishealth #remotehealing #remoteenergyhealing #yoga #meditationpractice #osteofluidics		QiCafe		9	https://www.facebook.com/61564572927332/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732113	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 5:19 AM	1740993498	1746440373		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732115	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 5:18 PM	1740993498	1749593917		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732114	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 7:40 AM	1740993498	1746448810		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732116	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 1:18 PM	1740993498	1746814708		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732118	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 5:58 PM	1740993498	1747004309		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732119	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:03 AM	1740993499	1746972204		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732120	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 11:56 PM	1740993499	1749617772		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/mit_nat			5.7734594879526E+14	mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480787268_1644049446221135_7006435794142354120_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YE9NqRZVpZIQ7kNvgEaMeoO&_nc_oc=Adj8wzSIKRlW6gH_7mBkisQ_5OndPcEJnpLVMOp_VXrQ0f-2jSBvPglIphXAzebLud2QjrhdKeP1dj0yyRM6bYmB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCZhxYtC0ZVOku44AckHzP6Ky7vxlkqMcR0YjG4_rfu_A&oe=67CB40BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				mitnat - sharing health and wellness finds that work		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573022470827/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732123	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:19 PM	1740993499	1747081144		2747																										pages.farsunpteltd.com	Watch more			VIDEO	📜Click on the link below the video to unlock the remaining full episodes👇👇		https://pages.farsunpteltd.com/?channel_id=29166&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}&ad_name={{ad.name}			4.7140071938418E+14	FlickReels 5	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481271106_590148344017680_1507403190802456571_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e7xMQbnJfcsQ7kNvgGr1Cbx&_nc_oc=Adialq3op9PFDLD9cerKzbE15wDtfQ54bdFlGmzcv8xJ4TbWM1rcUeEAqAaNkucllDKQdp0Tfc56bY02XbIwiqmI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANn06szBNeCMu535LGYo4Md&oh=00_AYA4GTmCTdo0DEdQGht-8Jzw372xwKm6aZJ5d4okDKufrg&oe=67CB300A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥Have you seen the super popular TrueLoveWaits yet?😍 It's a must-watch! The plot is intense and fast-paced—you'll binge-watch it in one go! I'm so glad they’re focusing on a love story for people in their middle years. It’s just as exciting, if not more, than the usual young romance! Packed with love, betrayal, hidden identities, and unexpected twists, it keeps you hooked. 💖💖🔥🥰🔥🔥		FlickReels 5		3509	https://www.facebook.com/61566773322914/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732126	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 10:03 PM	1740993499	1749524631		2747																										discovery.site	Learn more			VIDEO	Breakthrough alert: Lemon peel for tingling!	92% have no idea!…	https://journale.site/preneuro/			5.5020497818151E+14	Caroline Reed	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481272215_1686952082178260_6581843660096794697_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S5tmlWpKWfQQ7kNvgFgTsdf&_nc_oc=Adh0mkGSIcfTeMs-hrjghML_xXMfAnPkIbk6ORV_eKdYH51-228qsqtY4a32g7K9N2iqIByPhlWH-Ghtv1cJWEB3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AY9_jLxcqqElj1xdMSc7-zO&oh=00_AYAz_7pNYBZidFNwyDpV3vrcnC65VzYhR-tkoSKBtyjnaw&oe=67CB2883	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱😱 Ever wondered what's causing that relentless tingling in your hands and feet? And the worst part: how to finally ease that sharp, nagging discomfort? 🚨 The answer is simpler and more natural than you think! A groundbreaking trick is changing everything... And the best part: no expensive medications or invasive treatments required! 🍋✨ Discover the secret of the "Lemon Peel Trick" – the powerful trick that could transform your quality of life and give you the relief you’ve been searching for! ⚡ You won’t believe what happens when you try this simple technique. 👉 Click now to uncover this secret! Don’t waste any more time! Relief might be just one step away... Today!		Caroline Reed		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573801580912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732127	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 5:57 AM	1740993499	1749121074		2747																										discovery.site	Learn more			VIDEO	Breakthrough alert: Lemon peel for tingling!	92% have no idea!…	https://journale.site/preneuro/			5.5020497818151E+14	Caroline Reed	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481207703_942706051359205_430001327690658516_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xDfH-LD8SkUQ7kNvgH5BITw&_nc_oc=AdhLF57vOzVSCaYDi7XAFRUtFQMxOV9fe1l5V4xg5gAfNCjNEGz-eHj1nj7wJikokXpU8oLQ5Lf__jFwg7DbR66M&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AY9_jLxcqqElj1xdMSc7-zO&oh=00_AYBt1kBZs_xB2hl-lVXbewy2Xf_U8QARmwENQ973aBpDiA&oe=67CB5C87	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱😱 Ever wondered what's causing that relentless tingling in your hands and feet? And the worst part: how to finally ease that sharp, nagging discomfort? 🚨 The answer is simpler and more natural than you think! A groundbreaking trick is changing everything... And the best part: no expensive medications or invasive treatments required! 🍋✨ Discover the secret of the "Lemon Peel Trick" – the powerful trick that could transform your quality of life and give you the relief you’ve been searching for! ⚡ You won’t believe what happens when you try this simple technique. 👉 Click now to uncover this secret! Don’t waste any more time! Relief might be just one step away... Today!		Caroline Reed		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573801580912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732128	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:20 PM	1740993499	1747012831		2747																										tryleaply.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Reduced Anxiety and Stress by 68.5% ✅	Leaply VGN quiz	https://tryleaply.com/vgn?utm_source=fb&utm_acc=A1_Leaply			3.0133283639906E+14	Leaply	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480942769_1418636695781796_3027133282837860665_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wwbqRlNChMgQ7kNvgH6RoUb&_nc_oc=Adhp9u8cCkUAiZYxXYqoODeiA4Xq3yVZBVIO-o97Hg6ewUvPtGbWsKvujXewpKrPmi4kV5eGSkBOlotcYi3YUQ4E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AY9_jLxcqqElj1xdMSc7-zO&oh=00_AYATZCkTR58Yl3-39Lr75Je3WVN8gPsBop3S7bftLD_Tdw&oe=67CB39F2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Is stress and anxiety holding you back? Our specialized program is designed to help you: ✅ Discover the root cause ✅ Get out of survival mode ✅ Say goodbye to constant tiredness and disorganization ✅ Regain inner peace Take a 1-min quiz 👉		Leaply		8121	https://www.facebook.com/61559545764014/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732131	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 3:10 PM	1740993499	1749499823		2747																										w2a.shorttv.live	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉		https://w2a.shorttv.live/v4/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=49263&language=en&timestamp=1738920010859&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&utm_id=101636			1.1449055158994E+14	BGJS F	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476876381_1453591805600617_7661690728080806604_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7cJV-FizQ2EQ7kNvgFzCiT-&_nc_oc=AdgtxF8FSdaCB3t-71cdn-mLrU9cOKkKmUVLAiXruYrK43QSzV9RJNFGYq6abBJScc5HuAGewN00msEXT62-xoOg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ArX1BYvLu7IUt1I4yByIiox&oh=00_AYAryzg7l-_5ORexzl6JOkb5UP47bkcZZZYeNaGYKirHIA&oe=67CB48D8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😹😹 CEO, Your Wife Runs Away with Your Six Heirs		BGJS F		19006	https://www.facebook.com/100090614746031/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732132	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 11:26 AM	1740993499	1747067196		2747																										tryleaply.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Reduced Anxiety and Stress by 68.5% ✅	Leaply VGN quiz	https://tryleaply.com/vgn?utm_source=fb&utm_acc=A1_Leaply			3.0133283639906E+14	Leaply	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480713054_600893489430029_6245699237173336404_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Uxg5JDPNzMMQ7kNvgEjt88Z&_nc_oc=AdjBtMt7PqnZLJ2RhYKYQaTf1vK9DlkdERZ2T8Cvcja_519mDf7n2mQyZ5SNgZq0Lg-BObuyVZDSZ1C_ECpUjjhx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ArX1BYvLu7IUt1I4yByIiox&oh=00_AYA8SR3ipzYmoEKOP0zodImTYjl0F1O_dsHS_YcwVjzP1Q&oe=67CB3C20	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Is stress and anxiety holding you back? Our specialized program is designed to help you: ✅ Discover the root cause ✅ Get out of survival mode ✅ Say goodbye to constant tiredness and disorganization ✅ Regain inner peace Take a 1-min quiz 👉		Leaply		8121	https://www.facebook.com/61559545764014/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732138	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 4:35 PM	1740993499	1749504934		2747																										www.google.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Discover these 3 signs		https://video.healthsyncs.site/fuexd7hify/			2.6826747404511E+14	Aline da silva.	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481659648_929404742741962_4637039708271053520_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=j_a_mnITV4UQ7kNvgHoNv9p&_nc_oc=Adit4f4K096b17NL9QSqBeGpTP4J8VSI1Aa2pH9mVoz6Jgzcla4Yzl5vMYoPqB0sCy6XxbmiD407l3npsa62UdYz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZOKtV7TlC30BTObFG05j5S&oh=00_AYDgfzO2wMkC48uoC6L5iH1HF9pDOZ2V0gzjpEEu7Usmkw&oe=67CB4DB6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Aline da silva.		8	https://www.facebook.com/100069243660686/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732155	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 6:22 PM	1740993499	1746400937		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/rachellerobinett			1.0803057396386E+14	rachellerobinett		PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				rachellerobinett		208	https://www.facebook.com/100065405382635/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732156	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 1:54 PM	1740993499	1749754447		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/rachellerobinett			1.0803057396386E+14	rachellerobinett		PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				rachellerobinett		208	https://www.facebook.com/100065405382635/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732154	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 6:38 PM	1740993499	1746401922		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/rachellerobinett			1.0803057396386E+14	rachellerobinett		PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				rachellerobinett		208	https://www.facebook.com/100065405382635/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732157	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 9:58 AM	1740993499	1747061885		2747																										neupril.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Try Risk-Free For 90 Days	Loved by 20,000+ Customers!	https://neupril.com/products/l-methylfolate-15-mg-plus-methyl-b12			5.8495897469126E+14	Neupril	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481093774_1268525167546682_282269168322009521_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ljTujuXq3gYQ7kNvgF5HEZv&_nc_oc=AdgsHKu9eXBxWJkmj9JAJ2rPIwMQoeBU6Pv0XDOQ_IAKj5FoyhERmbAZQsfiAOmoZgvvmW_B4VnaojLMctf1LNY-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYCxsWsCeByjIjm54wewP9py-mAreoorM0LZXf4rndPULQ&oe=67CB599F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Unlock Your Brain's True Potential with Neupril's L-Methylfolate (15 mg) Plus Methyl-B12 🧠 💙 Increase your energy levels and conquer your day with laser-sharp focus. 💙 Experience mental clarity and cognitive performance. 💙 Elevate your mood and emotional well-being for a happier, more balanced life.		Neupril		2	https://www.facebook.com/61572793015840/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732158	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 9:02 AM	1740993499	1746280971		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	A Fake Marriage, A Fated Love Story!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			2.9632828023461E+14	EAshort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481075786_641886395446401_3277309961620826519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vMjW9oXvFikQ7kNvgENnoFf&_nc_oc=Adja9LjV17f1-P-7bxdnR7nbJv4pDD31HMh1a3JXQ9faQmLzB9J4tjeetX4af3nv58_8mkZMgGNcuGMruQfodsOq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYDPIQV8GnewIGXuXBJnsNzFVsDlzNk4ntOHTuSI7-0evw&oe=67CB4628	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		From a fake marriage to real love, Natalie and Jasper’s story is full of twists. 💍💖		EAshort		49	https://www.facebook.com/61559145613353/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732160	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 9:25 AM	1740993499	1746455125		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	A Fake Marriage, A Fated Love Story!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			2.9632828023461E+14	EAshort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481150939_541097609001014_4577836073164062301_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZytJU6HB6-cQ7kNvgGRHize&_nc_oc=AdguX4CDhURwAHLzIsv3X4_DtCdjNt3azeonPivgajofi-gmsxHpBouyV9OBF4eCJDw1V_i4zo-ge_ZoWKDDDuB0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYB4TH2aqFpGTutM7Dk636rkqnWQrL2L1n9taxvk-p76dg&oe=67CB4E98	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		From a fake marriage to real love, Natalie and Jasper’s story is full of twists. 💍💖		EAshort		49	https://www.facebook.com/61559145613353/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732161	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/5/25, 8:39 PM	1740993499	1746495553		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	A Fake Marriage, A Fated Love Story!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			3.1876550131739E+14	Eashort Playhouse	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481767789_853114143607170_341283564575156473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ob-YdvrS8LsQ7kNvgGtVBAe&_nc_oc=Adh-3nlOSuGZ8n-Sjpwhc7dS_7Mc8n7oUGHPBWPN5GeXjJavDvR2kchrFqd6oZPS_UwYzRxQZ_oCD9dpIBAhNBQf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYDs1m0bzCSwak7q2TBx8qYOUba-iMGuj71vk0xwg61Bwg&oe=67CB2A31	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		From a fake marriage to real love, Natalie and Jasper’s story is full of twists. 💍💖		Eashort Playhouse		54	https://www.facebook.com/61559314566209/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732164	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 8:33 PM	1740993499	1746322384		2747																										barestep.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Foot Pain Relief ✅ | Comfort Guarantee	★★★★★	https://barestep.com/bogo			1.0294392855982E+14	Barestep	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480653535_644143594677035_5845302890595052667_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vZ9m4XtpZCcQ7kNvgEwOO8T&_nc_oc=AdiwZCEPYM7c-p3m1A5FZAc-OjAHOXeUwRwQ17Yc7ZYUryfapKrDnTH6JPEM-WYetlSvo8q2GQ3hDks7LC6deQad&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYBWEbXspV6oED94Hde3TjoNiS8R6xplLU96lvo2BVPq9g&oe=67CB5AFB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Why pay full price when you can double your shoe collection at no additional cost? 🚨🙄 Become part of our vibrant community and discover our top-selling barefoot shoes. Over 100,000 Americans have already found relief from foot pain or enhanced their lifestyles—now it's your turn to feel the difference. For a limited time: enjoy our buy one, get one free offer and simplify your shopping. Step ahead into comfort and join the revolution today 👉 www.barestep.com/bogo		Barestep		20115	https://www.facebook.com/barestepsa/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732165	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993499	1740993499		2747																										afiliado.neuropathicpainneveragain.info	Learn more			VIDEO	Eat this 1 vitamin for immediae sciatic nerve relief 👉		https://afiliado.neuropathicpainneveragain.info/45uyb5lsy3/			5.7041206281769E+14	No Pain	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480939587_1326033935209352_7181166284438069750_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A2HMNsE2dT4Q7kNvgHq0HZb&_nc_oc=AdhsJOHnQj3xEbLkmVz2TB-gMYZKO_zCMzE1_TplH01ag1H6_KDo0cBjJUFTYKulFnL99_5lfb2KwG7lAqicPKw5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYCSse72mSwkN7cOTgWgHGS4Ko6jnP5PG-1YVeZz0arCmA&oe=67CB5059	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤'𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞! 😍😍"		No Pain		0	https://www.facebook.com/61572514981350/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732167	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 10:28 PM	1740993500	1746329310		2747																										ketobrainz.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://ketobrainz.com/			3.8900853499302E+14	Keto Brainz	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480734062_1195157995369529_6966204341607035054_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hl956Z01WEEQ7kNvgGswSsY&_nc_oc=AdgcQihsL0jhNMEbWViIiQeD6dAVJg4cXXu3tuCrLXGWSLAVBKtXKIUcWpKDUd1Xo7wglrAa30vM6PIKEy2PL4sX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDVAqkVVBO4d-iyGf7cUUNCe_EGI5Q1Nbl7VQSlVZXLIg&oe=67CB4242	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Keto Brainz		873	https://www.facebook.com/KetoBrainz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732168	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:24 AM	1740993500	1746336265		2747																										ketobrainz.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://ketobrainz.com/			3.8900853499302E+14	Keto Brainz	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480734062_1195157995369529_6966204341607035054_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hl956Z01WEEQ7kNvgGswSsY&_nc_oc=AdgcQihsL0jhNMEbWViIiQeD6dAVJg4cXXu3tuCrLXGWSLAVBKtXKIUcWpKDUd1Xo7wglrAa30vM6PIKEy2PL4sX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDVAqkVVBO4d-iyGf7cUUNCe_EGI5Q1Nbl7VQSlVZXLIg&oe=67CB4242	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Keto Brainz		873	https://www.facebook.com/KetoBrainz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732170	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:35 PM	1740993500	1747013741		2747																										ketobrainz.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://ketobrainz.com/			3.8900853499302E+14	Keto Brainz	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480734062_1195157995369529_6966204341607035054_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hl956Z01WEEQ7kNvgGswSsY&_nc_oc=AdgcQihsL0jhNMEbWViIiQeD6dAVJg4cXXu3tuCrLXGWSLAVBKtXKIUcWpKDUd1Xo7wglrAa30vM6PIKEy2PL4sX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDVAqkVVBO4d-iyGf7cUUNCe_EGI5Q1Nbl7VQSlVZXLIg&oe=67CB4242	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Keto Brainz		873	https://www.facebook.com/KetoBrainz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732171	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 12:22 AM	1740993500	1749532943		2747																										ketobrainz.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://ketobrainz.com/			3.8900853499302E+14	Keto Brainz	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480734062_1195157995369529_6966204341607035054_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hl956Z01WEEQ7kNvgGswSsY&_nc_oc=AdgcQihsL0jhNMEbWViIiQeD6dAVJg4cXXu3tuCrLXGWSLAVBKtXKIUcWpKDUd1Xo7wglrAa30vM6PIKEy2PL4sX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDVAqkVVBO4d-iyGf7cUUNCe_EGI5Q1Nbl7VQSlVZXLIg&oe=67CB4242	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Keto Brainz		873	https://www.facebook.com/KetoBrainz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732172	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 5:49 PM	1740993500	1747090174		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			IMAGE	instagram.com		http://instagram.com/neuropathy_rt			4.5998171053724E+14	Neuropathy Research Team	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481058142_1266881284373507_1241528205794591505_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=S7vYdi09jhAQ7kNvgF2GRI7&_nc_oc=Adg78rV88E6gv-37hybGeqgfDFa3mgfZGO4RgwEYgkO8TTRaqiNJxnpHrf2fzVfsCyPW1FlGt4Fjdv5qTEW0bX28&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYB9SwoPs7yPkjpN42wPX8RvHEq1gQVd5GJ16DdIsk8GqA&oe=67CB4D26	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Through a holistic approach, you can treat the underlying cause of Neuropathy's non-curable chronic pain and help regulate neuronal firing and promote nerve regeneration. Follow the NRT to learn lifestyle changes to help alleviate your pain.		Neuropathy Research Team		19	https://www.facebook.com/61568764705536/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732173	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 10:24 AM	1740993500	1746113054		2747																										instagram.com	Send Message			CAROUSEL			https://www.instagram.com/			8.3676988313993E+14	Alissa Wolfe	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481072245_2443513625986078_1113391096073093647_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yFgotxjGlvAQ7kNvgHts8zM&_nc_oc=AdiPC0BRNcK-MOwbAOaFmMVKCb9caquG_30scVo0H-Hvaly0-0aK5kenEZUSitK3UJojfr2swYMLHqEOEL1NJoE-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYAx5Hvr2ES2JazrJxmhlaBLA6Pv_Wcw6OKuPkc1mXXHvQ&oe=67CB5550	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Alissa Wolfe		1092	https://www.facebook.com/paincrusader/	0		INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE								View Edit Delete
2732178	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993500	1740993500		2747																										faldiv.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Bones and Energy		https://faldiv.com/en			5.3361770983774E+14	Faldiv	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481228166_1028566919114837_1245279529306482008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-fyCI-vmnYQ7kNvgFYoY94&_nc_oc=AdjqoJZZZyJ3JTFAK0ypUFBxseyo799PM468LJ6ROxxPMA1nyRGkwN6CQImADfYYUtF0LGE-qXzi9i1EogcK7VKP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYCly6DJ8Alv4-ERusi_Yq257pP4Y4mWfbthljqixe39Nw&oe=67CB5577	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Faldiv		1	https://www.facebook.com/61571951207028/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732179	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993500	1740993500		2747																										faldiv.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Bones and Energy		https://faldiv.com/en			5.3361770983774E+14	Faldiv	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481228166_1028566919114837_1245279529306482008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-fyCI-vmnYQ7kNvgFYoY94&_nc_oc=AdjqoJZZZyJ3JTFAK0ypUFBxseyo799PM468LJ6ROxxPMA1nyRGkwN6CQImADfYYUtF0LGE-qXzi9i1EogcK7VKP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYCly6DJ8Alv4-ERusi_Yq257pP4Y4mWfbthljqixe39Nw&oe=67CB5577	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Faldiv		1	https://www.facebook.com/61571951207028/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732180	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 3:06 PM	1740993500	1746821200		2747																										faldiv.com	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	Bones and Energy		https://faldiv.com/en			5.3361770983774E+14	Faldiv	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481228166_1028566919114837_1245279529306482008_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D-fyCI-vmnYQ7kNvgFYoY94&_nc_oc=AdjqoJZZZyJ3JTFAK0ypUFBxseyo799PM468LJ6ROxxPMA1nyRGkwN6CQImADfYYUtF0LGE-qXzi9i1EogcK7VKP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYCly6DJ8Alv4-ERusi_Yq257pP4Y4mWfbthljqixe39Nw&oe=67CB5577	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Faldiv		1	https://www.facebook.com/61571951207028/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732183	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 12:45 AM	1740993500	1746337530		2747																										arcanaut.watch	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	SOLD - ARC II — Fordite Groovy "Zesty Zephyr"	SOLD	https://arcanaut.watch/collections/fordite			1.7927075584786E+14	Arcanaut	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265290_1644436043617694_6429239650132971518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7vUvyVGdRQEQ7kNvgGv4i-Q&_nc_oc=AdjGqustKHmRJ2kzbT7aFf73wINqha4lVSofhCgreFSKRe8VF__p-PfVigTlgi3t633EJXitZ5iItNySMSkX6K1e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYBosmsXxqUrz-SU7dug9Hy0dTqQQe3XGMxzlh3AsDsfBA&oe=67CB5DED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		SOLD		Arcanaut		1361	https://www.facebook.com/Arcanaut/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732185	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 9:05 PM	1740993500	1746324330		2747																										arcanaut.watch	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	SOLD - ARC II — Fordite Groovy "Zesty Zephyr"	SOLD	https://arcanaut.watch/collections/fordite			1.7927075584786E+14	Arcanaut	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265290_1644436043617694_6429239650132971518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7vUvyVGdRQEQ7kNvgGv4i-Q&_nc_oc=AdjGqustKHmRJ2kzbT7aFf73wINqha4lVSofhCgreFSKRe8VF__p-PfVigTlgi3t633EJXitZ5iItNySMSkX6K1e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYBosmsXxqUrz-SU7dug9Hy0dTqQQe3XGMxzlh3AsDsfBA&oe=67CB5DED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		SOLD		Arcanaut		1361	https://www.facebook.com/Arcanaut/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732187	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993500	1740993500		2747																										arcanaut.watch	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	SOLD - ARC II — Fordite Groovy "Zesty Zephyr"	SOLD	https://arcanaut.watch/collections/fordite			1.7927075584786E+14	Arcanaut	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265290_1644436043617694_6429239650132971518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7vUvyVGdRQEQ7kNvgGv4i-Q&_nc_oc=AdjGqustKHmRJ2kzbT7aFf73wINqha4lVSofhCgreFSKRe8VF__p-PfVigTlgi3t633EJXitZ5iItNySMSkX6K1e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYBosmsXxqUrz-SU7dug9Hy0dTqQQe3XGMxzlh3AsDsfBA&oe=67CB5DED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		SOLD		Arcanaut		1361	https://www.facebook.com/Arcanaut/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732188	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 1:15 PM	1740993500	1746987331		2747																										arcanaut.watch	Shop Now			CAROUSEL	SOLD - ARC II — Fordite Groovy "Zesty Zephyr"	SOLD	https://arcanaut.watch/collections/fordite			1.7927075584786E+14	Arcanaut	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265290_1644436043617694_6429239650132971518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7vUvyVGdRQEQ7kNvgGv4i-Q&_nc_oc=AdjGqustKHmRJ2kzbT7aFf73wINqha4lVSofhCgreFSKRe8VF__p-PfVigTlgi3t633EJXitZ5iItNySMSkX6K1e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYBosmsXxqUrz-SU7dug9Hy0dTqQQe3XGMxzlh3AsDsfBA&oe=67CB5DED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		SOLD		Arcanaut		1361	https://www.facebook.com/Arcanaut/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732191	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:40 PM	1740993500	1747010420		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			VIDEO			http://instagram.com/drcarmenburke			1.3658112334666E+15	Family Holistic Dentistry	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481304150_679830691187078_9010379665344395334_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pBEFcRYKVnsQ7kNvgHs3mip&_nc_oc=AdhVi1K5aG86H3E-yuN7AcMiDKVDp_7QW8YS-wQZMRJnJznIV0-psXctKkg5DskHdKQ4c_6P-Nv1i316s-utFsHd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYAXatySgjJXlKD0AOcbGLO0LpDbErQFtXQ793yqgH6QAw&oe=67CB545D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		DARKER TOOTH???? Get a CBCT to have the proper diagnosis and treatment options! Usually a dark tooth means the nerve(the pulp)of the tooth is dead, but to be sure get a CBCT then find out what your options for treatment are. It could be a “root canal”it could be an “extraction”or it could be just “leave it alone”. It depends on what we see in the CBCT! It depends on the health of the bone and the health of the tooth. CBCT: Cone Beam Computed Tomography CBCT provides a comprehensive 3-D digital image of the teeth and jaw. It is useful for diagnosing complex dental conditions and is faster, safer, and more comfortable than a medical CT scan. The CBCT significantly enhances our diagnostic capabilities because we can see the mouth in 3D. This means we can see if there is an infection that we might not be able to see with a regular sensor. Additionally, we can evaluate the jawbone, teeth, airway, and surrounding tissues with exceptional clarity. In addition to these diagnostic benefits, CBCT’s precise imaging is essential for accurate dental implant placement. We can ensure optimal alignment and integration with the jawbone. This accuracy reduces surgical risks and enhances treatment outcomes. Learn more about our practice! Copy the link below and paste it in your browser 🙌 Call us to book an appointment for a comprehensive exam ! we will give you a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan options with our holistic approach (303)219-0499 https://www.drcarmenburke.com/technology #darkertooth #dark #darktooth #dentalinfection #oralhealth #cbct #tomography #dentist #boulder #colorado #holisticliving #biologicaldentistry #functional #biological #oralhealth		Family Holistic Dentistry		612	https://www.facebook.com/DrCarmenBurke/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732194	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 8:07 AM	1740993500	1749560820		2747																										arialief.club	Learn More			DCO	{{product.name}}	{{product.description}}	https://www.arialief.club/			5.085131356869E+14	Health Life	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481678585_946637913898226_2061892754512811554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lCT7HzJyHe4Q7kNvgGqNF3r&_nc_oc=AdjN_0_UYJSrVO6cM4QHOGXShR6X1wo69GFN7UgEnHsnHScDVr4--RE4LO1YzO-wMVx4IDW4CPVz_Xwfo8-CbWCr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYATYIf83EKl-IkFg4NVj9wUN1wE5L5lZ2jPaKsMuGmrzA&oe=67CB3F4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Health Life		1	https://www.facebook.com/61572789893125/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732206	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 12:26 AM	1740993500	1749446766		2747																										www.oficialarialief.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Watch this video until the end!		https://www.oficialarialief.com/VSLOG			1.4811728170851E+14	Barbara Lemes	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481154984_627087300067512_8322770089696455516_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5j1zyuk-qucQ7kNvgEFM8s-&_nc_oc=AdhnRhMUKm-Slu3S0LGmEUzISx41lEukIlVzYsYA877XHyviBkoxgTLdEYSqVZRADF6Q5KYb5el_LhTOJlrDhyQ1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYDZ7thtD81H5xq_3jr2JKGNz5O4IxCffdxonclmEL6uHw&oe=67CB3A23	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		.		Barbara Lemes		812	https://www.facebook.com/barbarasdf65/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732205	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/25/25, 11:40 PM	1740993500	1745642428		2747																																				1.5895766312592E+15	Kick	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/366010769_124772423990657_2919270454390081427_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7ll2WJ-LXgAQ7kNvgGIWj0u&_nc_oc=Adi69XjWjru4UQp80hApFz9TPbmTxW4TUx9B4u0FYEQRahIuIbCEyAJn7cCYrpB05_r5bG5O4vaLNo3eQ4sksjQe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYBJxj2xAdoTkM1L4YK9Py0hAFXjTTXZylhjso1_FLDEKQ&oe=67CB2D6A	PERSON_PROFILE	0							Nervous introvert presenters are using our “adrenaline blockers” to go from “shaky and sweaty” to “confidently cool.” After witnessing thousands of celebrities, performers, and executives overcome “stage anxiety,” I’ve realized the real problem. It’s NOT that they’re introverts or shy… … They simply have an overactive nervous system. Which makes it almost biologically impossible to be calm on stage. The solution isn’t years of ‘Toastmasters’ training. All they need is the “insider’s edge” to instantly block adrenaline…. See, I talk to people every day who avoid important presentations at all costs. Because of a racing heartbeat.. sweaty palms… shaky voice… dry mouth… tunnel vision. They’ve failed classes, bombed job interviews, or missed out on promotions. They’ve been “left out” in a society that prizes confidence. They turn down and avoid great opportunities because they fear they will only embarrass themselves. It was the same for me. Anytime I had to perform under pressure, I had a debilitating knot in my stomach… 🥵 Flushing and sweating 😐 Mind went blank 🤢 Uncontrollable shaky legs But the worst part was always wondering how different my life could be if I had risen to the occasion. Instead of falling on my face. Then one day, I was catching up with a psychologist friend… And he casually mentioned some studies on an "insider's edge" that people used to release and overcome extreme fears. I had never heard of anything like it. I dove headfirst into the research. It turns out that the majority of professional musicians have used this edge. And they’re not the only ones. This “insider’s edge” is used by salespeople, marketing execs, grad students, pop stars, lawyers, stand-up comedians, Broadway stars, and even surgeons. The Kardashians recently mentioned it on their own TV show. So the next time I had to present, I tried this “edge”... And I confidently nailed my talk. For the first time in my entire life, I CONFIDENTLY “felt like myself” during my pitch. I was fully present. The nerves were gone. I showed up and gave my best presentation ever. I started wondering why no one else had heard about this. And here’s what I discovered: The racing heartbeat and sweaty, shaky palms come from a surge of adrenaline in your body. That’s the classic “fight or flight” hormone response to danger. It’s great when we’re being chased by a lion. Not great if we’re afraid of a stage... When our body OVERproduces adrenaline, we get performance anxiety. But the “insider’s edge” BLOCKS high levels of adrenaline… …and restores it to optimal levels - which keeps us confidently cool. This “edge” has been common knowledge in medical circles for 50 years. It’s a simple, cheap, and safe treatment known as a “beta-blocker”... To be taken ONLY AS NEEDED an hour before any nerve-wracking event. And even naturally nervous introverts EXUDE “prescription-strength” confidence. However, beta-blockers for blocking adrenaline have been hard to get in the past. I had to see an expensive psychiatrist to get my prescription. Ouch. Everyone should have easy access to performance medicine at an affordable price. So I teamed up with a Stanford-trained psychiatrist to start Kick Health. Kick is the first online performance medicine clinic devoted to helping you overcome those ‘shakes and sweats’ to stay confidently cool during big moments. And we’ve worked to make this system as simple as possible. Just fill out a simple intake in less than 10 minutes on our website instead of scheduling an inconvenient in-person doctor’s appointment. And a board-certified doctor will issue a prescription (if appropriate). All for only $49. 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ https://www.gokick.com/r/fb-imgtb-confidently-cool We also partner with a mail-order pharmacy to deliver the medication directly to your door for only $20 more. 💊 ✔️ No insurance necessary. ✔️ No monthly fees. ✔️ No appointment, video, or phone call needed. We even offer a "Doctor's Guarantee," so you don't get charged until a doctor determines the prescription is suitable for you. If you’re ready to finally block that "adrenaline overdrive" and present "confidently cool"... …then take 10 minutes to get your personalized supply of Kick's "beta-blockers" at the link below.					https://www.facebook.com/kickhealth/	0										View Edit Delete
2732208	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 1:25 AM	1740993500	1746339942		2747																										www.oficialarialief.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Watch this video until the end!		https://www.oficialarialief.com/VSLOG			1.4811728170851E+14	Barbara Lemes	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481233298_1829510174480744_2236668414463029257_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SJ3gtVVC0NwQ7kNvgFG1Bkj&_nc_oc=AdhT3cyWBITJRjVz1rZIvHydsVWUbjzG6upb_yeblrc4CGTlCOhq83Z1_9rScDbB5AolHZy27ZU2A9agbI34n4W6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYAUqGzWy-Ilfkbm7Ei9NwborYjmLkj3j5ryqKRovaAuTA&oe=67CB347E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		.		Barbara Lemes		812	https://www.facebook.com/barbarasdf65/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732212	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993500	1740993500		2747																										www.texassolarpanimals.com	Book now			VIDEO			http://www.texassolarpanimals.com/			1.0527747225245E+14	Texas Solar Panimals, LLC	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482019450_3874875762732854_6263144846512183922_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ecF4geGpNAAQ7kNvgHHQ0Ub&_nc_oc=AdjosIx8C7RG-hHp7VAF6PCp85BDjP-bF4sKICB32UUIZvTW6RoWOpqhUoSQzq2J8pZWkA0UAif9RBiRIZaG6mX2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYCZacUEZHeIqCV6lKgS-2OTPUb-2Rf47335RW2BFqcwCA&oe=67CB517F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Patron Saints of Solar #notshadysolar @tspanimals		Texas Solar Panimals, LLC		158	https://www.facebook.com/TSPanimal/	0		BOOK_TRAVEL								View Edit Delete
2732215	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 5:09 PM	1740993500	1746310157		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/labradanutrition			243639600376	Labrada Nutrition	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254909_1159442979300821_1474876285448954271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BP853kJt8MYQ7kNvgG3osV3&_nc_oc=Adilnv5AK_CDBhi3Z1epTLlqIGxxsGpxartUqKEGmRS96qmkLYb-EtlK9OtoUlq4mABQrkhLpVWp1vXAUT1z7Hhm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYD6kMGWR90NGGWlV9_A-gdGn_WnW71k3IQvmoxGdlsvsg&oe=67CB6004	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Labrada Nutrition		826409	https://www.facebook.com/LabradaNutrition/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732214	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 8:22 PM	1740993500	1746408146		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/labradanutrition			243639600376	Labrada Nutrition	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254909_1159442979300821_1474876285448954271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BP853kJt8MYQ7kNvgG3osV3&_nc_oc=Adilnv5AK_CDBhi3Z1epTLlqIGxxsGpxartUqKEGmRS96qmkLYb-EtlK9OtoUlq4mABQrkhLpVWp1vXAUT1z7Hhm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYD6kMGWR90NGGWlV9_A-gdGn_WnW71k3IQvmoxGdlsvsg&oe=67CB6004	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Labrada Nutrition		826409	https://www.facebook.com/LabradaNutrition/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732217	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 6:09 AM	1740993500	1745838548		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/labradanutrition			243639600376	Labrada Nutrition	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254909_1159442979300821_1474876285448954271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BP853kJt8MYQ7kNvgG3osV3&_nc_oc=Adilnv5AK_CDBhi3Z1epTLlqIGxxsGpxartUqKEGmRS96qmkLYb-EtlK9OtoUlq4mABQrkhLpVWp1vXAUT1z7Hhm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYD6kMGWR90NGGWlV9_A-gdGn_WnW71k3IQvmoxGdlsvsg&oe=67CB6004	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Labrada Nutrition		826409	https://www.facebook.com/LabradaNutrition/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732216	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/28/25, 10:33 AM	1740993500	1745854424		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/labradanutrition			243639600376	Labrada Nutrition	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254909_1159442979300821_1474876285448954271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BP853kJt8MYQ7kNvgG3osV3&_nc_oc=Adilnv5AK_CDBhi3Z1epTLlqIGxxsGpxartUqKEGmRS96qmkLYb-EtlK9OtoUlq4mABQrkhLpVWp1vXAUT1z7Hhm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYD6kMGWR90NGGWlV9_A-gdGn_WnW71k3IQvmoxGdlsvsg&oe=67CB6004	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Labrada Nutrition		826409	https://www.facebook.com/LabradaNutrition/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732220	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 9:42 AM	1740993501	1749652965		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/labradanutrition			243639600376	Labrada Nutrition	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254909_1159442979300821_1474876285448954271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BP853kJt8MYQ7kNvgG3osV3&_nc_oc=Adilnv5AK_CDBhi3Z1epTLlqIGxxsGpxartUqKEGmRS96qmkLYb-EtlK9OtoUlq4mABQrkhLpVWp1vXAUT1z7Hhm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYD6kMGWR90NGGWlV9_A-gdGn_WnW71k3IQvmoxGdlsvsg&oe=67CB6004	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Labrada Nutrition		826409	https://www.facebook.com/LabradaNutrition/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732219	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 10:01 AM	1740993501	1746198074		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/labradanutrition			243639600376	Labrada Nutrition	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254909_1159442979300821_1474876285448954271_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BP853kJt8MYQ7kNvgG3osV3&_nc_oc=Adilnv5AK_CDBhi3Z1epTLlqIGxxsGpxartUqKEGmRS96qmkLYb-EtlK9OtoUlq4mABQrkhLpVWp1vXAUT1z7Hhm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYD6kMGWR90NGGWlV9_A-gdGn_WnW71k3IQvmoxGdlsvsg&oe=67CB6004	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Labrada Nutrition		826409	https://www.facebook.com/LabradaNutrition/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732223	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 2:25 PM	1740993501	1746300317		2747																										orthinex.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Flash sale ends today!	Pay safely with PayPal	https://orthinex.com/products/orthinex-premium-ergonomic-pillow			4.400339525349E+14	Orthinex	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480965358_1663542291194675_8970877175371638809_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-Ew4CVqhCr0Q7kNvgEaGY0n&_nc_oc=AdjbUyzlOmJsnXP9Z0ueIGka0VoQjTEOSK2GA6EB5apRZ6yEHn1VpGBwS0ZZgb8bM4AoHVykxbpynq80NIBwhP4t&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYBbmyOJMIWHS0H2pzxkRAf3QZusAwmP5lgpPhClmL-INg&oe=67CB4FF2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Experience relief and wake up refreshed with the Orthinex Pillow, designed to alleviate sciatica pain and improve your sleep posture. Perfectly contoured for support, it cradles your head and neck, promoting proper alignment and long-lasting comfort. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to better mornings with Orthinex.		Orthinex		541	https://www.facebook.com/61568048379894/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732225	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/7/25, 12:02 PM	1740993501	1746637330		2747																										dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥Click to FREE watch more episode👉👉🎬	Signed, Sealed, Secretly Married	https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057857.html?language=en&timestamp=1740324815680&channelCode=DLLPF1057857&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481466115_616923397828379_8813307541483054107_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sn-3hUYWo_MQ7kNvgE2cJKA&_nc_oc=AdgWcrgMU1b1cts3LI5RLiKPxm1odPJV3Ar5MgTXOydLNq_SeMH8F_L6sZe2UT4qvPxYrdxjSWfGFF8G_T17ub6h&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYBgssJrBJHYMvhQlrHt0t6YctpWH6p4qwMWv1akOPd2dA&oe=67CB45E1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336145	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732226	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 12:22 PM	1740993501	1746724948		2747																										rochesterhills.chirovoucher.com	Sign Up			DCO	90% OFF Chiropractic Wellness Package 👉	Limited Time $27 Vouchers	https://rochesterhills.chirovoucher.com/27-5904			9.1380166874298E+14	Vitality Precision Chiropractic 248-897-0699	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481830485_992106932982174_6978420788628077724_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hslw6nadUDQQ7kNvgFXcE2M&_nc_oc=Adg7ZLrYzXB87P9FRKo9PMM8JvFGUffLGIjadtkPx4x769Rbek2yhIgC8HaEhWHiw24ToWSSomDgqvdZ9nYpRTWy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYAwzT1M1NJ5UFgszb3WKJFe_uZXTK5SfchBvcA2HOK6Iw&oe=67CB39C1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Rochester Hills, Vitality Precision Chiropractic is the leader in corrective and functional chiropractic! We are here to help further your health goals! We've seen amazing RESULTS such as: 💪 Reduced Joint and Back Pain 💪 Reduced Headaches, Migraines and Stress 💪 Strengthened Immune System 💪 Improved Balance and Posture 💪 Increased Athletic Performance This month we're offering 30 New Patients 90% off our on-boarding Wellness Package. For just $27, you will receive: 💥 Consultation and Orthopedic/Neurologic Exam 💥 ALL necessary X-Rays 💥 Doctor's Report of Findings 💥 Lowest Price We’ll Ever Offer ⚡BONUS: ACT NOW AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT FROM US. Click to find out further!! Hurry, these 30 vouchers won’t last long... **BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW** 👇👇👇		Vitality Precision Chiropractic 248-897-0699		1455	https://www.facebook.com/VitalityprecisionchiropractorRochesterHills/	0		SIGN_UP								View Edit Delete
2732233	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 1:01 AM	1740993501	1749535305		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480827369_1191668609193117_9220497030309844245_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qy_37Ry3x2YQ7kNvgGkrVwP&_nc_oc=AdjMNq8dWN0ufhF7xEqy5I3SCh6jzm8foOVngJKBp2SvAxrO4IYSmULhc88DkagffWEd8oUDb1Xeq6gr0iWCkupa&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYDaakDK50qUExLqW2ruKOl4bphfWiMewBEPDrFYz6fQ0A&oe=67CB37FB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732236	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 1:09 AM	1740993501	1747030157		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481017547_1065592678928943_7787196076222721840_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=W279TpXUUxUQ7kNvgGlVZ2T&_nc_oc=Adg3Z0lmS-SaGJkZK3DoXdDF428xn9nt9LHCwNVyxzgFD8Z-0Jd_zICBeTUlOr36xPGCYozDRn8RyK4cbc1QiYV5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYC9cA9RFOoPYCVEbqwNjf_h2voYgxbmF4H0nEztuPJxtw&oe=67CB3D22	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732241	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 5:17 PM	1740993501	1746310643		2747																										lc.newyear25now.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Tap to learn more...		https://lc.newyear25now.com/677702e7746bea7f54561456?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.9035380083914E+14	Michelle Thompson	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481955072_1790892478377398_8799069563007936969_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LA34hyJbImEQ7kNvgFwA-zp&_nc_oc=Adjv9ObXuiIIKKQSHhSGBZjOon16kOQTj2aKDyJMtdjEkHT0GYi1nDIRaW4qcHx5xArZUjpSwZ0tM4-OWWJccp8v&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCBbBsxACSchak1-hH2ucolpef6A_mdt6_e17OaxlURjQ&oe=67CB573C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Step by step to deal properly with neuropathy discomfort...		Michelle Thompson		150	https://www.facebook.com/61556653712101/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732243	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:05 PM	1740993501	1749873908		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481216849_507986178699216_879288237476399452_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h82dIEckRlgQ7kNvgH2Naaw&_nc_oc=AdgqKlPrbr02PzYYl8Pvnu470SbfALfhlXbiuUiYiKZRBd33P4LTyNWswrs-sFirsSUO6X17laWS0IgjH2ZcDOmD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYDIsL62qoibqBZws-4GbOwyDv9ThmZWxLdHa5BPYHskbg&oe=67CB3E74	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732244	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/8/25, 8:49 PM	1740993501	1749433788		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480802937_1199859661524121_2087183427884763380_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A3fIAknwO4EQ7kNvgFCgB80&_nc_oc=AdhRFKuGi5weo6VSpmTLbNaSag1SDzZnTMiDCk80n9bU4ALBc-G8qNHED8PjATsO-1-Kh86w8wRtbfeI50AQ5ks2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYASNJsk4EW9plKg0MgmM-QSHQdd5gUtzVPvSm3KpYb-Ug&oe=67CB5DB0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731459	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 5:15 AM	1740993484	1749464136		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482807424_677468001510897_6024810292100226968_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tfmdwf12xlsQ7kNvgFZeYwQ&_nc_oc=Adin85pJEtQDYmQoccdeqHAXlfaNuSwREPEuuveJsrlmvuSX1rqneOt4u4x2s50lQoqXrOPCb3lIFPrCL3ViR9v5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYAga938OPq69mhKRSkg50cos3qOBEfQHNMcygO7L-i2Mg&oe=67CB3C20	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732262	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:52 PM	1740993501	1749876772		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	"I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846826%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480947329_1804184667046004_3259443475903969447_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rzLDl1dZF_wQ7kNvgH64Bje&_nc_oc=AdgePlhqQ5hPVKTfii6ivkbgiJ5DK5dDvZmoWsu0WQcYaoVXTl0GVK2PqRrsFcRDCdaV6jL9AVuyP-cu2gmXikz1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYAFXlLVgfleuA8CRgTbvwG_7nx50dQUsqhnhFm0mKiaeA&oe=67CB2A5C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732267	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 6:06 PM	1740993501	1749164800		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	"I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846825%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480788972_1322405072216411_1502810019834640910_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c5h443tfVbQQ7kNvgGAyTf1&_nc_oc=Adjv6Qh-g8FlRod6is23JM9ELYv854e95k0QMxqKsa8ZyiyEnyc2zHMNH8ZvUXL9YoBFzSOOrE7l5PxG2pXfvt9j&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYD8SVnweP-zgNrA4FJ2ovGvQO7B0U2_av020nPQKPhvhA&oe=67CB5443	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732266	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 5:38 AM	1740993501	1746873529		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	"I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846830%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481361547_2060470584415742_7362350045332748254_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MhBxmxlDbbUQ7kNvgHqNB0o&_nc_oc=AdiyQ6IRg1UCw86x2yMGk4cJdqUwWu88gEsWs9TeNelENx4DailnbBH2P_RYOFZEV96lKC0PIO-DYxWiSZ49kdt7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYA-VdA0jhHFWCcYgiVmdGkkJgqqnXLR_s359DIgDeZDdw&oe=67CB4DEA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732275	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 9:21 AM	1740993502	1747059707		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Watch more episodes on ShortMax🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			6.1632350155691E+14	Short Max	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481462776_923843176280926_6033305813314326017_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dlcaVRaZTl0Q7kNvgGIZjdb&_nc_oc=AdivLtYtMQusSr961FvtI5zTRoeSOV91ZXjzMjF49uHkZ04VXqIsvaiJFogvwWixVceU5RprBF6clEtaVxkBFnU2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYDN5O28Hau-V2evoH2E5DLKaL_v9l5RhKL72KhUCcpKDw&oe=67CB2D29	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😹This series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! Next episode is amazing!		Short Max		44	https://www.facebook.com/61573656003603/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732285	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 12:28 PM	1740993502	1746898111		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481085018_608352565443295_5540884689023213835_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=64aDbE6_wV0Q7kNvgGCQOVC&_nc_oc=AdhH77dr6vw9D6QuXggcw_K9_6WLdbkUuNY8Gij-s0VEfXEod9UXHQWvRbF4c2VyGgL_cC0xqijDHdJ5XHr34n6-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCrq0V0zcuj_gyyHVo1mIvGyvQGsc7zKKrv8OqI9xxoFg&oe=67CB3526	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732286	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/3/25, 6:11 PM	1740993502	1746313899		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Vai subito agli episodi completi ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=48350&language=it&timestamp=1738059602860&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481266998_9351594541583783_1013137395645856943_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bbaWIkNEWPoQ7kNvgH_kDUB&_nc_oc=AdgFLPLqv-aVq4bqnDTutj_TTAr2tK4TaCzOElLWUs5eQUrPgyqhruFD6FZFo4xyqLq5MQrGnBamwa_F3v40mWRD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCajEIpADKOSSX7QP4r7RDesnrPsqHw3S3EZPD8DohQvg&oe=67CB4D1C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Caldo, così caldo.🔞 🔥Migliaia di brevi drama vengono aggiornati continuamente...... Giovane padrone, la signora ha firmato un accordo di divorzio ed è volata all'estero...... 👇Scarica ShortMax per guardare altre serie🎬		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732302	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 2:14 AM	1740993502	1749885280		2747																										edcrfvgroup.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥「Mi esposo pandillero me mima hasta el paraíso」 exclusivamente en GoodShort TV👉👉👉		https://edcrfvgroup.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18960&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.2820158038384E+14	GoodShort	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481818502_948259510819881_9045287374851437220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6L3QuyOc5L8Q7kNvgFkOqA7&_nc_oc=AdhjUMqWCLBgb_byT46DvHpTgtIpm2g7X8CmzZL_lDu199Yvuj6UaaFmrKKhSZFZvuk6vNq_w4a1xwRyyeIcP0Rp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYC2TGYMGbxRaDD753FiBvC3PNKEjUz4vyypCeidOWaYIg&oe=67CB3943	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞👙Esa noche, después de que echaran a mi madre de la UCI, me quité el disfraz de conejita que me había impuesto el director del club, solo para encontrarme con el jefe mafioso drogado. 😨Me agarró de la cintura, con voz fría: "¿Crees que puedes jugar conmigo?" 🥀Un mes después, mientras miraba la prueba de embarazo, mi padre jugador me tiró del pelo y me empujó hacia los brazos de un anciano, burlándose: "¡Un millón es todo lo que vales!" ⚡Agarrando su tarjeta dorada, irrumpí en su fortaleza, solo para que su hermanastra derramara café caliente sobre mi vientre embarazado, burlándose: "¿Una chica de club se atreve a llevar al heredero de la familia Williams?" #GoodShort		GoodShort		534160	https://www.facebook.com/61556764381923/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732306	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/4/25, 2:12 AM	1740993502	1746342773		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261101_1348402366346477_8184264948652107040_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s2x6odGL4kwQ7kNvgE_18D8&_nc_oc=AdigRvidnB47V7mcddVyQw61q11ovGbzatM9Ww-npnHw3VP-SsENwXDV3k0tAYL_pd7XvOr5ToTRtBOhGizz5lq5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYCLHo7nssUwwalFua1nOITCGM4j-Ew-JwkUIGlx1FpxSA&oe=67CB5AFA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732311	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 5:00 AM	1740993502	1749463217		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481274189_2717359905320555_6784077803025884980_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2CgkyfJc5qwQ7kNvgERqdTJ&_nc_oc=AdhoEIiS2_ngGa9N1aDjQTPK4PFavO-Fru_63kb2MuU2YWQtES-6QBKXgDXZYl5mkH0TYsx0jYTGFHYoWCy8waEi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYCNkBQzKotaTIaN7l6RHwUnO7rr7lDs-i7lqnSrYPBQew&oe=67CB5A92	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732312	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:34 AM	1740993502	1749634444		2747																										tastenovel.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him.		https://tastenovel.readlife.mobi/47nm10c00.html			1.6666484402238E+15	IReader 中文	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480589668_1716386425963296_9177209586701025748_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qhvpt9HYwEkQ7kNvgFuhxj0&_nc_oc=AdhdtGd_dMVXPGmrQEDy0ZQojM-Tomv05kzcNffjtipqT3tuEPu69Wf5Iv41Kk6dud5RG8Bg9eMs2eVWOv-bxkS0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYCzrPsp_r-o3W5ugX0cU-7VS4rRlHRXwymDKrGx0lsOkQ&oe=67CB4F60	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥🔞My best friend was inside me. On my boyfriend's bed. Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him. "I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, getting ready to give my boyfriend my cherry. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I looked up into his eyes. I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" He froze above me at that moment and his groggy voice spoke above me, "Avery?" It wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's voice, but my best friend... Alpha Xade's! Avery's pov Today is my boyfriend Kyan's birthday and I wanted to surprise him by seducing him and giving him my virginity. I had planned it for months and I think I am finally ready to give it to him, however, things get a bit complicated when it's not him that ends up inside me. ___ "I think it's too much," I grumble under my breath, tugging at the very short skirt I had borrowed from my friend Melissa. It's a floral figure hugging skirt that showed off my body in a very sexual way. I topped it off with a simple white cropped top and wore the silver necklace Kyan gifted me a few months ago for my twentieth birthday. Under it is a red lace thong and bra, Kyan's favorite color on me. He said it makes me look incredibly sexy and I want to look incredibly sexy tonight for him. She rolled her eyes where she was on the bed and let out a puff of air. "I think you look sexy and Kyan will not be able to take his eyes off you." I chewed on my lips. She was probably right. Melissa had a knack for being right anyway. I pushed up my glasses on my nose and twisted around to get a better look. I was skinny but had a good size bottom and chest area. "You look good V, now go surprise your man!" Melissa hopped off the bed and strut over to me and gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. She did something funny with her lips and then motioned for me to sit on the chair. " Let me curl your hair better. Maybe add a little makeup too," her voice beamed with excitement to doll me up further. I sat in the chair for longer than was necessary getting my hair curled to perfection by my bubbly friend who had mentioned she was tired earlier but the exhaustion seem to have magically disappeared. Afterward, Melissa did my makeup and I clenched my eyes shut as she sprayed the setting spray on my face. I scrunched up my nose and she giggled. " Come on its not that bad," she snorted. " Oh, it is," I say, holding in my sneeze. I hated the setting spray, it would always raise up my sinuses. Melissa set it down on the table and lifted her hand up in surrender. " Okay I am done, I no longer have the weapon," she shifted to the side so I could see my reflection in the mirror. I am stunned. Just a little bit of makeup and it has enhanced my beauty by a lot. I looked bewitching with the way she added the eyeliner. Wow. It brought out my grey eyes, I can even see the small flecks of green that have always been hard to notice. "You look incredible and he'll be so happy to see you," Melissa whispered, giving me a smile while she fixed up my curls. I nod, sighing. "I hope so. It's a surprise." I played with the ends of the skirt nervously. "He will love it," Melissa grinned and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Now hurry before the dorm monitor catches you sneaking out." I nod, standing up and feeling the weight of nerves settle in my stomach. Seeing my anxiety Melissa squeezed my hand reassuringly. She knew what my plan was and even though she didn't quite like Kyan, she told me it was my decision to give him something so precious to me. After a small prep talk from her, I walked out of the dorm, throwing the side bag strap over my shoulder and smiled at one of the girls who walked by. It's late already, around ten thirty p.m. Kyan should already be in his bed. He had already texted me earlier to say he was off to sleep. It took me a good ten minutes to get to Kyan's dorm which he shared with Xade Archer, the notorious bad boy on the campus and my best friend who I had known for years. We had grown up together and practically knew everything about each other. Joined at the hip my mom would joke about. My family always moved when I was younger and we finally settled in a small town where his dad was a mayor. I can remember the day we met, we were around ten, and me being shy hid behind the teacher who was introducing me to the class. Xade was the first to become my friend after an annoying girl pushed out her foot to trip me. I had stumbled and fell right on top of him and let's just say we had been the closest ever since. As I near the door, a bundle of nerves shook me. Xade was not home, Kyan had mentioned he went off to a party and wouldn't be back yet. Knowing Xade, he'd not be back until morning so this was a good opportunity for Kyan and I to do the deed while he was away. I'd definitely not want my best friend to hear me have my first time with his dorm mate. That would not only be embarrassing but I didn't think I would be able to face him again. The pressure in my lower stomach was weighing down heavily and my pulse quickened. I hauled in air through my nose and pushed it out lightly through my mouth, trying to relax my growing anxiety. My body had become clammy and I was sure if I didn't get in that room soon, I'd collapse. The corridor was empty, thank God for that. I didn't want any guy to see me sneak in the room even though my boyfriend is in there. I flushed. They'd definitely know what we will be doing in there. I took out the spare keys Xade had given me months ago. I wanted to surprise Kyan and this came in handy. My clammy and trembling hands struggle to push the key in the hole and after a few struggles I finally did it without waking up anyone. The room is completely pitched black and I contemplate if to put the lights on or not. But decided I was nervous enough as it was and needed it to be dark to even grow some confidence. It shouldn't be bad right? Just stick it in and be done with it? I closed the door behind me lightly, seeing the shape of his figure in his bed, covered by his sheets. He's facing away, sleeping on his side. My heart raced. This was it. I would finally give him my virginity. I walked to the bed, taking my time so I'd not trip. I'll just be quick. With anxiety building in my body, I reach his bed and leaned forward, whispering. " Kyan," He let out a sound, kind of like a tired groan but I wasn't sure. The sound of my heart was ramming too loudly in my ears for me to focus on his response. He shifted, turning on his back and I quickly straddle him, my breathing coming in short pants as I got ready to give my boyfriend my virginity. # 2 Avery's pov Just get it over with Avery. I chanted in my head as I leaned forward and kissed Kyan's cheek. I frowned when I felt a slight bit of stubble. He had shaved yesterday, was it possible for his stubble to grow back so quickly? The thoughts flew out quickly when his hands clamped on my hips to keep me on his lap. His hands made me squirm. His touch was lighting up a fire in me. It burned. I lifted slightly and pushed down the sheets off him and straddle him once more, moaning when I felt him nudge at my opening. He makes a soft grunt sound again under me and I took this as an invitation to kiss down his chin while I begin to dry hump him, rolling my hips in a way I thought would be seductive. It worked because he was so hard as a rock under me, I could feel him pressing against me. Wow. He felt huge! Was he even going to fit? I nibbled on his chin, making him buck up his hip and of course for his hardness to rub against me. Since I had a short skirt on it was hunched around my waist and my thin lace panties was a sad excuse of a barrier. He felt so hot. And I was so wet. " I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, rolling my hips over him to feel him. He felt so good. It's kind of strange actually, I have straddle him before but it has never urged me to feel so incredible or want more. In fact before, I would squirm and make an excuse for us to not go further. But tonight, something has changed. There's a burning desire, a need, a claim to have him inside me. I rocked my hips and his hands on my waist tighten as he pumped up, groaning sexily. He sounded more hoarse too. Sexy. So sexy. I am so wet I can barely think. All nervousness flew out the window when I felt just how excited he was under me. I press my palm to his bare chest, surprised by how tone it felt. It's never felt this tone before but perhaps it feels a bit different now that he is naked. I push out my tongue, running it along his cheek, an odd need to taste him overcoming me. He grunted, hips flexing up, his hardness smacking against me. His fingers dig into my hips and then they sweep over to my bottom, gripping them. " Oh," I moaned, rolling my hips more and surely wetting his boxers with my juices. But I didn't care. I was finally going to do this. My nips harden when one of his hand grip my breast and squeeze. His touch burned through me and sent shivers of pleasure to rake through my body. I needed him. Gosh I needed him. I panted, letting out little sounds of pleasure as he rocked his hips up to meet my little dance. I could no longer wait. There's something building, something I want right now. I am desperate as I push off him a little and free him of his boxers. I can't really see him but I feel him when I wrap my fingers around his girth. Oh hell. He really is huge. I gulped. Even though there's a little fear that he won't fit, my walls cry, begging for him to come right in. I push out a nervous breath, straddle him and with one hand push my panties aside and guided his tip at my entrance. He feels so hot in my hands and I can feel him pulse. It's now or never. Holding my breath, I pressed down, taking the head of him into my very tight opening. My jaw slackened and his loud moan made me shiver. Oh God. This feels so good even though it stings. He goes back to gripping my hips, hard and pushed up slightly as I descend on him, pulling him further into me. "Ohh," I whimpered when the head of his member brushed against my hymen, the barrier. I can hear his strangled breathing in the room, feel his pulsing length inside me, snuggled by my walls that clench around him. I am soaking him and he seems to enjoy this. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. And I did, with one push, I let him break through me and bit my tongue by the tight full feeling. My thighs shook and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Hell, he was too big. I stilled with him inside me, trying to adjust to the mere size of him. It feels like he had grown bigger if it was possible and I feared he'd stretch me out so much I'd need stitches after this. He rubbed my hips, still pulsing inside me. It was as if he was trying to soothe me and it was working. My aching muscles begin to relax around him and the pain dulled until I no longer felt it. However, I can feel him. Hot and throbbing. Every inch of him was inside me, every single inch. My walls squeezed around him and he groaned, nails digging back into my flesh. The sounds coming out of his mouth were sexy and in response I became more wet and the fire that pricked me earlier began to bloom once more until I needed him so badly. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I lifted slightly, my walls gripping around him in reluctance to let him out. But if I don't move and ride him I would die. I stopped until the tip alone was inside me and slide back down on his length. He shuddered, pulsing and gripped my waist as I began to move. Our rough breathing filled the room as I bounced on his hardness. He filled me over and over and I swore he was growing. He pulsed, gasping as I rocked my hips. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it was so so good. Why hadn't I done this with him sooner? I can see myself doing this with him more than once tonight. Hopefully, before Xade gets home. My skin was prickled with beads of sweat, on my forehead and even on my upper lip. His body seemed to be growing warmer too and the sounds that left his throat grew a bit more.....rouged. I gasped, pressing my palms on his hard chest and riding him. I could feel every inch of him, feel the tip of him nudge against my womb. He feels so good I whimper. " Ohh hmm," I moaned, my clit throbbing and my walls sucking him in. With a hiss, Kyan flipped us over as if he was fed up with my slow movements and was desperate. A scream tore through my throat when he angled my hips up and began to pound into me, feeding me his huge girth. It's a good thing I was so wet. The sounds of our intimate parts meeting was even louder than our loud breathing and cries of pleasure. He hovered above me, so powerful and intimidating. He pressed against me, one of his fists beside my head while the other hand gripping my top and tore it off, revealing my red lace bra. He couldn't see it in the dark but he felt it. He cupped my breast, his thumb brushing against the lace material where my nips had beaded hard for him. I let out a strangled moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I am aware that I am growing even more wet and I am so aware of how hard he's pounding into me right now. I don't tell him it's too much because I took all of it. I took every inch he gave me and I loved it. I loved it so much I moaned out ' yes please give me more.' And he did, angling his hips in a way that made the tip brush a very sensitive part inside me that made me let out a scream of pleasure, my eyes rolling back. I am very sure I may have woken up most of the guys rooms that are closer. I almost felt bad. Almost. But I was so full of pleasure and so full of him that I couldn't think about anyone else or how loud I truly was. My walls gripped him as he thrust in and out and he grunted above me, dropping his head on my chest and pushing down my bra to reveal my bareness. I cried when his lips wrapped around my bud, nipping and sucking. I shivered. His hair was brushing against my neck, soft and smelled strangely of apple. Since when does Kyan use the apple shampoo I bought for both him and Xade? The thought flew out the window when his teeth wrapped around my pebble and he bit hard. My hips bucked up at the assault and I scratched down his back, surely marking him with my nails. " Oh," I whimpered, becoming a mess under him. " Oh please," I moaned, pushing my hips up so I could take every inch he was giving to me. He groaned and let out a sound that didn't quite sound human, however, I was too lost to focus on it or question what I had heard. Tears were flowing down but it was not because of pain but because of mind-blowing pleasure. The tip of him was rubbing against that sweet delicate spot again and was creating a pressure feeling that was building up like a tight fist in my lower stomach. Every nerve in my body seems to be on fire and it feels like I am on the verge of exploding. I am panting, trying to catch my breath as his rhythm changes into a more desperate urge. He was pounding me into the bed. The headboard knocking on the wall with loud aggressive pounds. If he keeps up this pace the bed might break. His thrust became more urgent, more hungry and I cried out with every thrust of his hips angling forward. I cling to him, my thighs shaking as I cry in desperation to free the tightness that had built in my lower stomach. He let my bud go with a pop and brought his mouth so close to mine that I was sure he would kiss me. But he didn't, only kept his lips so close that it felt like he was teasing me, which made me feel more desperate. His breath mingled with mine, every pant, sigh and moan drawing me closer to releasing that tightness I felt. His breathing was ragged and fast, hitting my lips as if taunting me to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. But I always hated Kyan's kisses and didn't want it to ruin the pleasure he thrust into me at the moment, so I don't give in to my craving and bit my lips to try to suppress the sounds of pleasure coming out of my mouth. Kyan growled above me. I noted how the sounds that left his throat almost reminded me of an animal. It sounded so possessive, so primal, so beastly. And as I looked up into his eyes, though I knew for sure I would not be able to see them, I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? That's odd. Just as I saw the strange color, I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" Kyan froze above me, yet his tip shoot his warm cum in me while I squirm and shiver as I come undone under him. I am still riding the after shocks of my pleasure when Kyan's groggy voice spoke above me. Only that it wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's, but my best friend Xade's. "Avery?" # 3 Avery's pov My heart seized. Completely stopped working. His voice had entirely penetrated and punctured the haze of pleasure we had just been in. Xade. This voice above me belonged to my best friend Xade. The cock inside me belonged to my best friend Xade. The dick I had just been riding... Xade.... Xade! I try to wrap my head around the situation I had just put us in as realization dawned on me. Something heavy dropped in my stomach. Was it dread? Fear? Regret? I wasn't sure. I couldn't think properly with his cock still throbbing inside me. And it didn't help that it was growing back hard and twitching. With trembling hands I push them on his sweaty chest, the same chest I had press against while I rode him. Oh God. My face heated up, the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. " Oh my God," I whispered, tears of shame pricking the corners of my eyes. This cannot be happening right now. I did not just sleep with my best friend. I did not just give him my virginity. I did not just get rammed by Xade freaking Archer. What have I done? What have we done? There was no going back now after this. The line is already blurred. Oh my God. My face was so hot I knew I was so beet red. I am thankful he cannot see me right now. " V?" he whispered softly and his cock twitched. Oh God this is embarrassing. " I'm sorry," I found my voice and clenched my eyes tightly as it came out filled with shame and regret. " I thought Kyan was home and you were out. I- I choked up, my chest heaving as I fought the bubble of urge to cry. How humiliating. If I had just put on the lights I would have noticed it wasn't Kyan and this wouldn't have happened. I just gave Xade my virginity. I tremble under him and Xade flipped us over, holding and hugging me as I cried with silent embarrassed sobs. He was still very much inside me and still hard. His hands lift in my hair and he soothed. " Shhh it's okay V," But it was not. We just slept together, I mistook him for my boyfriend who was his roommate and good friend and gave him my virginity. And not only that but he and Mel had a thing going on too. The line was more than blurred right now it was trashed. I screwed up. " I didn't- I hiccuped, sobbing and burying my face in my hands. I would do anything for the ground to open and swallow me whole to avoid this embarrassing situation. " I am so s-orry Xa-de," I croaked out, I didn't want to lose him. I definitely didn't want this to come between us. How would I face both Melissa and Kyan too? Oh God. When I felt another twitch inside me, I grew hot and awkwardly pull off him. I can't believe he was hugging me while still being inside me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed. I winced. Now that the haze of desire had evaporated, the pain of my muscles being pounded and used was very present. It feels like I had been rammed by a truck. Xade was definitely packing like Mel had boasted about. I winced. Mel... How was I so stupid to not have noticed that this had been my best friend all along. The strawberry scent, only Xade used the shampoo I bought them. Kyan had said it smelt too fruity and I knew Xade hated it but he was always one to make me feel happy. He was always more toned than the guys here too, and his hands were massive. I should have known they were not Kyan's clumsy hands. Xade had mapped my body with his fingers too skillfully for it to have been Kyan's. And those groans that had fluttered beside my ear, the grunts of pleasure- My face is hot and I scramble to right my panties, fixing my skirt as I rolled off the bed. Xade reaches out for me, his long fingers wrapping around my wrist to stop me. I sucked in a breath at the burning feeling his hands left on my skin. I had always felt it, but tonight it was way hotter. Almost like a scorching tingling fire. " Wait," his hoarse voice says through the awkward air. My heart rams against my chest. Oh God. Don't say anything to embarrass me please. I already didn't know what more I could tell him. Tears burned my vision. I really had royally screwed up. " We don't have to say anything," his voice is a whisper in the dark, caressing me. I hated that it did. " What?" I breathed out, my heart kicking up a notch. " We don't have to let anyone know," his thumb brush against my wrist as if trying to soothe me yet coax me to come back to bed. I didn't know which one. " This can stay between us." My heart leaped in my throat. Is he saying that we should pretend this never happened? That I never gave him my virginity? Would it save our friendship and our relationships? " Like it never happened?" I whispered into the night, searching for his eyes but it was so dark I couldn't see anything. It takes a good while for him to answer and when he did it comes out hoarse and thick. " Yes," he replied. " Like it never happened. You thought I was Kyan and I thought you were Melissa." His words feel like a punch in the gut even though they were nothing but the truth. However, he was giving us a way out of this shameful incident and how could I not take it? We could go back to how things were right? I will be able to face him tomorrow? I swallowed and nod. " Like it never happened." I agreed and pulled my arm free of his grip and fixed my clothes that he had ruffled. My top was yanked down but thankfully he had not torn it during his ravaging. As I left the room and closed the door behind me, the ache between my legs mocked me with a memory that I will never forget. # 4 Avery's pov Forget Avery. Forget about his breath on your lips, his cock inside you. Forget about it. Everything will go back to normal tomorrow. I chanted in my head as I made my way down the corridor. I am thankful it is still empty and no one is around to witness my walk of shame. As I made my way down the stairs I winced, the throbbing pain between my legs pushing back the thoughts of what had just happened. I still can't believe I had mistaken Xade for Kyan, straddled him and didn't give him a chance to protest as I practically seduced him. Why hadn't he said a thing? Why didn't he say Melissa's name? If he had I would have known who I was sleeping with. Sure he had been sleeping and probably tired when I approached him and straddled him but afterward he was clearly wide awake and practically pounded into me. I shook my head, blinking back the guilty wave of tears. I sniffled and continued my way down and froze when I saw the familiar chocolate color hair. Kyan. My heart thrummed. How could I face him after what I had just done? Panic settled in my stomach and I am begging God for a way out of here without him seeing me. But it would be impossible. There are only stairs up ahead and nowhere else to hide. And Kyan is already making his way up with a bag of chips in his hand and a soda. Had he gone out to buy those stuff while I had been with Xade? A swam of guilt and shame made me stumble and I nearly fall, grasping for the rail before I hurt myself. The little rush of surprised air from my lips pulled his attention, something I didn't want at the moment. Great. Just flipping great. He looks surprised to see me, as he should since I hadn't told him I'd be coming over. Giving him my virginity was supposed to be a surprise, a birthday gift for him being patient...well kind of. I was no longer a virgin.... Kyan had been my boyfriend for two years now. We met at this very college and he and Xade became friends and roommates. That's how we got introduced and a few months later I finally accepted his offer to a date. We never really had that spark but seeing Xade having that crazy college experience I decided to give it a shot too. Kyan was great, not a very good kisser but he was sweet and would buy me cotton candy. He wasn't Xade drop dead gorgeous but he was fairly attractive with chocolate hair, brown eyes and a sharp jawline. He was attractive enough to garner girls attention when we were out, not as much as Xade capture but one or two girls would certainly look. " Babe?" His thick brows are furrowed and a look of confusion cast through his eyes as he bounds up the stairs a bit more hastily. I nervously smiled, awkwardly stopping so he'd not notice how I walked. If he saw, he'd definitely know that I had been fucked. " Yeah." I croaked and inwardly closed my eyes in frustration. This night couldn't have gotten any worse. He smiled when he reaches me, towering over me even though he was a step lower than me. " I wasn't expecting to see you here," he leaned forward for a kiss and my belly did that odd somersault thing that nearly poked my urge to vomit. Before his lips could touch mine I turn my head so his lips could touch my cheek instead. I feel so guilty it's eating me up inside. He pulled away, his brows furrowing more. " What's wrong?" he demanded. I smiled awkwardly. " Oh nothing," I lied. " I just had some onion chips earlier and I know you hate the stench of onion." Was I being too obvious something happened? I didn't know how to act. This was the first time I have screwed up so badly and didn't know what to do. I was always the 'good girl' like they had labeled me for years. A good girl doesn't sleep with her best friend whose girlfriend was my friend. A good girl doesn't mistake her best friend for her boyfriend. If I was being obvious, Kyan didn't show it and smiled, nodding. " So why are you here?" his eyes twinkled. " At this hour and wearing this sexy skirt?" his eyes drop to my skirt. I flushed, not because his words invoked the fire Xade had earlier but did the opposite. I shifted on my feet. " I- Come on Avery think. " I was coming to surprise you but I saw Xade in there. Didn't you say he was out?" I pointed my thumb at the back of me. Kyan shrugged, shifting the bag in his hand. "Yeah he came back earlier. Something about the full moon and a headache." Right. Xade said he hated full moons because somehow he always feels like shit whenever it's up in the sky. For years when a full moon shows up, Xade would be locked in his room. But when we were back in the small town, he and his family would not have anyone come to their estate during that time. Some people thought they were odd, but I didn't. Concerned curled in my belly. Was he okay? Is that why he had been trying to sleep it off and I came up and practically screwed him? " Now I am intrigued," Kyan pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and want. His tongue licked across his lower lip and his eyes lowered to my cleavage. The little that showed. " What kind of surprise?" I smiled nervously. I had surely trapped myself. " Just a sweet surprise. Nothing special. But I must go now, Mel texted me that the dorm monitor is hot tonight and I don't want to get caught." " Oh," Kyan murmured in disappointment but still nod. " I'll see you tomorrow then?" he goes in for kiss but I sidestep him and wave. "Yeah," I strut down the stairs without looking back. " I'll see you tomorrow." If I can still walk that is. It was taking everything in me to make my walk look natural, but the ache between my legs was refusing for me to look natural right now. # 5 Avery's pov When I got back to the dorm, I was breathing hastily. Melissa is already asleep but when she hears me stumble a bit on one of her heels, she turns around and puts on the lamp. I winced, lifting my hand over my face to block the assault. " Well well well," she drawled out playfully. I wished she hadn't because now I felt even more guilty. " What do we have here? Hmm? A girl who had just gotten shagged?" " Christ Mel," I turned beet red under her scrutiny and looked away, pushing off the shoes I had on. " I did not get shagged." Oh but I did. Hard and fast. By....Xade. Melissa lets out a rush of disappointed air. " Really? But your hair looks a mess and you're spotting a red flush. Even your skin looks sweaty. I know when someone just got fucked V." I gulped, my hand instinctively going to my hair to fix whatever was a mess. " It's very windy outside." I half lied, going to the closet so I can change. I am tempted to go to have a shower, but I feel so tired I just want to sleep. " Uh huh," Melissa didn't believe me and I don't blame her. I didn't sound convincing at all. Guilt bit through me and I am thankful she doesn't question me further. After I put on the huge shirt that covered my small figure to my knees, I made my way to my bed and sank in the sheets. Mel puts off the lights and I turn on my back, my palm lying flat on my stomach as I stared at the dark ceiling. I didn't like this feeling of guilt but I didn't like the feeling of craving for more either. I sighed, forcing my eyes closed and wishing I could just forget the night but knew that it was impossible. __ The next morning I am grateful I do not have classes until later today. I can sleep in for a little longer and try to heal my aches naturally with more sleep. I hadn't caught a wink of sleep last night and had tossed and turned. Even Mel got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Xade and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. " You lucky bitch," Mel say as she leaned forward to put on her canvas shoes. She lift her head, her braids falling over her face. " No morning classes. What I would do to be you right now." Trust me Mel, you'd not want to be right now. But instead of speaking my thoughts, I only sent her a smile and tugged the covers to my chin. " I get to sleep in longer, enjoy your lecture." I closed my eyes, forcing out a fake yawn. " Hey, we're still up for afternoon brunch with the guys right?" My eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I had completely forgotten that we had set up a kind of double date with the guys at the diner where I worked at. I swallowed. Xade will be there...and Kyan and Melissa. Fuck my life. " Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. " Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since last night?" she questioned, straightening her spine. I shook my head. " I am fine, just may have caught a little draft because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. " But you know how busy Xade gets around this time," she pouted. " He barely makes time for me." I wanted to point out to her that Xade and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Xade didn't do relationships, however, he and Mel have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl before. Things may be getting serious and I hope I haven't ruined it. " Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. " Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. " I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder and I replied back. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shooting right through my soul instantly. " Xade?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and wincing at the movement. His eyes flicker to my thighs and I instantly flushed as I am now reminded again of what happened. So much for pretending nothing happened between us. I suck at this. Melissa let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close by I was sure cringed. However, I don't cringe, only sink my teeth in my bottom lip as my heart feels like it has just been ripped out of my chest.		IReader 中文		92084	https://www.facebook.com/ireader.cn/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732316	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993502	1740993502		2747																										southroundrock.painreliefvoucher.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Claim Your $49 New Patient Special ➡️	Offer Expires In 14 Days!	https://www.southroundrock.painreliefvoucher.com/survey			4.0502592936292E+14	HealthSource Chiropractic of South Round Rock	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480883392_630590706346221_795590136659920_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Akx4bFPzskkQ7kNvgHPWIJI&_nc_oc=AdjQCqVmkn5rdx4O4aEc8ttl8yGP6zWwczR2lR-1PeoGBZarmHk5Mi9HmthK_l41Ks6jxFS1AlFWM2J_pJFfcMK7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYA3R0J_CG46kRAUDXW6qGMGvWI4pRDFaM1aiWIsDh_qEA&oe=67CB2ED6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		𝙃𝙚𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨 ‼️ 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨 👇👇 We Are Offering A $49 New Patient Special This Month Only To Promote Health & Wellness! ($189 Value) What you will receive: ✅ 1-on-1 Consultation ✅ Comprehensive Mobility Screening ✅ Spinal and Nervous System Exam ✅ Postural Analysis ✅ Foot Scan - Depending on conditions ✅ X-Rays (if necessary) ✅ Detailed Dr.'s Report of Finding We're Looking For 27 Men & Women Who Want to Live a Pain-Free Life & Get Back to Doing What They Love! Click the "Learn More" button to see if you qualify… *Valid for new patients only at participating locations and does not apply to federal beneficiaries and ACN members. 📍: 115 Sundance Parkway Suite 505 | Round Rock | TX 78681		HealthSource Chiropractic of South Round Rock		12	https://www.facebook.com/HealthSourceChiropracticSouthRoundRock/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732317	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993502	1740993502		2747																										southroundrock.painreliefvoucher.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Claim Your $49 New Patient Special ➡️	Offer Expires In 14 Days!	https://www.southroundrock.painreliefvoucher.com/survey			4.0502592936292E+14	HealthSource Chiropractic of South Round Rock	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481239260_657814796737558_191533846611221374_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LZ8QrSZnfecQ7kNvgHhmO1h&_nc_oc=Adhc3hxkgFppYCpNRcMMqyFy-ejc0zBw5Re3N2PTy35RSeyQ0LTyTOOb00vzm99HCEX27uyPNSbSAqLfzccymDE0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYD3mStUScBWCwepfgUS0Z4v78RdSQftq9t45QvG9Mxeeg&oe=67CB2DA2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		📣 LISTEN UP 📣 Round Rock Area! We Are Offering A $49 New Patient Special This Month Only To Promote Health & Wellness! ($189 Value) What you will receive: ✅ 1-on-1 Consultation ✅ Comprehensive Mobility Screening ✅ Spinal and Nervous System Exam ✅ Postural Analysis ✅ Foot Scan - Depending on conditions ✅ X-Rays (if necessary) ✅ Detailed Dr.'s Report of Finding We're Looking For 27 Men & Women Who Want to Live a Pain-Free Life & Get Back to Doing What They Love! Click the "Learn More" button to see if you qualify… *Valid for new patients only at participating locations and does not apply to federal beneficiaries and ACN members. 📍: 115 Sundance Parkway Suite 505 | Round Rock | TX 78681		HealthSource Chiropractic of South Round Rock		12	https://www.facebook.com/HealthSourceChiropracticSouthRoundRock/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732323	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 8:55 PM	1740993502	1749520510		2747																										www.amazon.com	Learn more			VIDEO	FREE Reverse Harem Fantasy in KindleUnlimited	Kindle | KU | Print | Audio	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J9ZY8Q4?maas=maas_adg_352DC60C142F7998C1CA364BC874AC03_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas			1.0849698729205E+14	Lyra Winters	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481287719_651880540630772_2865035735442103297_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hh7piSTTf94Q7kNvgEJxfnG&_nc_oc=AdiIOYk_m3EJbXaEYcBctsSDW-okgQqYLmbWL5RDTSoWDrji_E-Dpa-i1GqzyLDIlCb2puTXPGc08ETZS9GJLIHR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYBOTsPhufKBZIM25JIQxoRMo8_iUYsZkI1yHz7t2lgtHw&oe=67CB429A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		A loud laugh belted out of Mirella, and I looked back over to see her sitting in Grayson’s lap, playing with his hair. “Who’s the white-haired girl staring over here?” she asked, loud enough for anyone in the cafe to hear even if they weren’t paying attention. My lips trembled, and I pressed them together as I lowered my head. I didn’t want to hear what Grayson would say, but with my enhanced hearing, I’d hear it even if I ran from the cafe right this second. “She’s an orphan fox that my pack picked up as a kid. She’s terrified of humans, so she probably overheard you,” he said without an inkling of emotion, and the pain began radiating through the bond again. “A shifter scared of humans?” Another laugh bubbled out of her. “That’s absolutely pathetic!” My head shot up, and my gaze met hers. She smirked at me, and anxiety crawled up my throat. I’d never experienced bullying directly to my face. Was this it? I was an outcast at the Arctic Wolf Village, sure, but they never went out of their way to make me feel like this. Besides, what did she know about humans? Had she ever seen them up close? Had she watched them hunt our kind for fun? Humans had weapons that could match our magic. Heat licked up my spine, wrapping around my chest and raising my core temperature. I tore my gaze from hers and locked onto Grayson’s, and smugness pulsed through the bond as he stared at me. “Yeah,” he said to Mirella, not breaking eye contact as he spoke. “She’s nothing but a weak fox. No wonder she’s the last of the species.” My chest tightened. I sucked in air, my lungs expanded, but I couldn’t seem to fill them. Grayson was chosen by the Fates to be my mate. I never had much faith in the Fates, but they really messed up with choosing him. We both rejected the bond, so why wouldn’t the Fates let it break for good? I wouldn’t forgive him for the words he’d spoken during the rejection or now. Giggling, the girl next to them hushed her. “Come on, that’s mean!” I bit my lip to choke back a sob, and a tear burned its way down my cheek. Collective gasps rang out around my table, and Grayson’s smugness fell. There was a hint of guilt through the bond as I forced the hurt down it so he knew just what his words had done. A warm tongue licked the tear away, and I turned my head to find Damien towering over me. Dark gray eyes pierced mine as he leaned forward until his lips were less than an inch from mine. “Don’t cry, little bird. I’ll c^t out his tongue and gift it to you tonight.” A growl reverberated through the cafe, and I knew it was Grayson. Damien’s threat must’ve hit a nerve. Damien pulled back, angling his head up to glare at Grayson. Two black horns protruded from his head as black smoke curled around his body and mine, as if he were claiming me. I glanced around the table to see everyone glaring at Grayson. Thorn, Lachlan, Trixie, and even Kian. My gaze snagged on Alister’s, who was staring directly at me. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, and there was something dark swirling in his red eyes. What I would’ve given to know what he was thinking at that moment. Grayson stood up and Mirella scrambled to her feet to avoid falling, placing her hand in his before tugging him out of the cafe with her. The cafe was silent, and I could feel everyone’s stares on me.		Lyra Winters		2179	https://www.facebook.com/lyrawintersauthor/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732324	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993503	1740993503		2747																										tvshortsy.com	Watch more			VIDEO	💥Enjoy more quality episodes with annual subscription and regular new episodes!🎬👇👇		https://tvshortsy.com/videos/1072?token=gZmaCNAu			1.1229772158195E+14	TVshorts 2025-4	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481662285_1173237437838087_7671464618534087588_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7S1r_MCr600Q7kNvgGVyTXg&_nc_oc=Adg7TR25XueLhDEIzoHaxjWFRbj1lp0uwVjV3l94fI9mUr_cLHevTyjC_02L-64usDOmUZspSNqjSvQZipVm4IrC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYAHeBj5Nmhul288Q8duNNcL2mozsJabfxLji7xTJ_BUBw&oe=67CB4469	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🤰🏻🌟✨ "Pregnant with a Tycoon's Baby: A Tale of Love and Betrayal" ✨🌟🤰🏻 Hey babes! So, let me spill the tea ☕️ on this wild rollercoaster ride I've been on lately. After a steamy night with the mysterious Richard, I found out I'm pregnant 🤰🏻 with his baby! But get this, my stepsister (ugh, can you say drama queen? 👑) is out to ruin my life and steal everything I hold dear. Despite my struggles with infertility, I'm determined to keep this precious blessing 👶🏻. But my stepsister is not about to let that happen. She's cooking up some evil plan to take over my life, my man, and his fortune 💸. Can you believe the nerve?! As the truth unravels and lies are exposed, I'm in for the fight of my life. I won't let anyone come between me and my unborn child. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my little one, expose my stepsister's deceit, and win back Richard's heart ❤️. Will love conquer all, or will greed and betrayal tear us apart? Stay tuned for the next chapter in this crazy journey of love, secrets, and a mother's unwavering strength. 💪🏻💕 #PregnancyDiaries #LoveAndBetrayal #SistersDrama #UnbreakableBond #StrongMama #LittleMiracles #FamilyFirst		TVshorts 2025-4		116	https://www.facebook.com/100084315980992/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732326	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	1740993503	1740993503		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482071039_1181346643432505_4158372743582501984_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bHJm0RfCCgwQ7kNvgGG0Sqi&_nc_oc=AdiEZiwpPrKrpK3fIN2A23BZumkTusdKu9ZbtPAosSImEXtvgTQ_BXNf4iKNh5RKF8dHdA5LO-WJkK5Xn14vJ48R&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYBjXWLEUPvWVZetmUmt62pTFhTbOEa8onaFMr0g3tsZeA&oe=67CB57C4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732330	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 3:49 AM	1740993503	1749804594		2747																										play.google.com	Download			IMAGE	Continue reading 👉"The Struggles of the Prostitute "		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader			5.1124446255442E+14	Enjoy reading-D r e am e	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481446526_535083702394544_6720108111338280620_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_TX09xl8ktwQ7kNvgG35KlD&_nc_oc=AdgehuNh7ELKYfbfXzNE4jQ9QkGEU63Tf12uvDXzKc1B1fCcMntylaRtSfv7UF98Uzp7dx-QCEBi1g8Dn1VSgVqg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYCuAtLiz_dHYd31tycXN0byHcf8LoBtXLCjY-_2nfGYJw&oe=67CB39DB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Ugh...take it easy..." I mumbled through gritted teeth. "AHhhh..." When it was finally over with Guy, "Here - extra five thousand," he said, peeling bills from his roll. "Thanks." I pocketed the cash without counting, straightened my skirt, and exited the bathroom stall. "Hey...was Guy any good?" San cornered me by the sinks. I leaned against the tiled wall, "He was alright. Got the job done." "Oh alright then," He grabbed my wrist. "Here's twenty grand. Help me get my job done." "Ugh...you just had me yesterday. Again?" "I want it." "Ah..ah...ah!" "Ah, c'mon...who's better - me or that Guy~?" I stared at the water-stained ceiling. "Ah..I asked...me or Guy...who's better?" "Mmm...dunno..Ah.." When San finally left, I sat smoking by the restroom entrance. Some pale-faced pretty boy materialized beside me - porcelain skin, designer stubble, the kind that makes normal girls weak. Not me. I died inside years ago. "Selling?" He broke the silence. "Hmm...You buying? If not, don't ask." "Wanna take this to my place?" I finally looked at him properly. "How old are you?" "Sixteen," he offered a ghost of a smile. "Maybe after closing time." "I'm White," he persisted. "Uh-huh." "Your name...?" I turned my back, disappearing into the club's neon guts. My name is Gemma, and sometimes they call me Gem. I'm 20 years old. I'm studying at a renowned university. I have a sharp face, big eyes, and a tan complexion that is neither very fair nor very dark. And I want to say without shame that I sell my body in order to survive. My family has a large export business. Our family's financial status is wealthy, reaching billionaire levels. I have enjoyed a comfortable life since childhood. Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was young. Just one year ago, my father introduced a woman named Emma to our home and informed me that she was his new wife. Emma has a stepchild named Jin, who is only one year older than me. Initially, I didn't feel anger towards my father for bringing someone else to replace my mother. I understood that he was likely feeling lonely and desired companionship. Moreover, both my stepmother and Jin have been kind to me. Everything seemed to be going well. Until my father got into a car accident and passed away. After the funeral, my stepmother revealed her true self. All the things she did while my father was alive were just a facade. She isn't as good as I thought. A few days after my father's funeral, my stepmother forced me to leave our house. All of my father's shares went to her. She made me stay in a small house that was quite far from the main house. She didn't allow me to spend a single penny and said that if I wanted money for personal expenses, I had to work in exchange. She and her child made me do various chores, including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, dusting, and cleaning the bathroom. I had to do everything for just five bucks. Jin likes to tear up or burn my homework. I have nothing to submit to my teachers. It has even reached a point where I almost lost the opportunity to take exams. They refused to pay a single dollar for my tuition fees. My stepmother told me to quit and study at a public school. In order for her to pay for my tuition, I had to endure, hold back, and suppress my feelings. Initially, I cried a lot, missing my mom and dad. I even contemplated suicide... but I didn't go through with it. I wonder why my mom and dad didn't take me with them. I wish I could live with them. I wish Dad had known the true character of his new wife before he was gone. I made my decision based on the advice of my close friend, Amber. She told me to use my body for me to have money. Of course, I did not want to do it but the circumstances around me forced me to. If I don't do it, I won't have any money. Moreover, I had to drop out of school because I couldn't afford the tuition fees. The little kid named Gemma, who had a cheerful personality, spoke well, and loved to smile, and whose life used to be filled with happiness. Now...that Gemma has already died because of everything that happened. What is happiness? I can't remember the last time I smiled. Recently, I did it with a senior student named Marco in an abandoned restroom behind the university. He was a 4th year student and was a hot guy at school. More importantly, he was Jin's boyfriend, my stepmother's daughter. Marco and I had been secretly doing it many times without Jin knowing. If she only knew, I believe she would be devastated. Huh! After we finished, Marco and I parted ways. "Gem, where have you been? I've been looking for you all over campus," greeted Amber, my only close friend. I didn't answer, I just raised my eyebrows at her once, and she knew what I had done. "And who is the guy?" she asked me. "It's Marco," I answered. “Wow! Again? Looks like Marco is attracted to you huh." "Probably. He gives me three hundred bucks this time." "Jin might lose her mind if she finds out that you've been secretly meeting her boyfriend," Amber uttered. "Well, that's what I want," I said in a calm voice with a cold expression. "Hmm. I like it. But anyway, let's go study." Amber and I have known each other since elementary school. We are very close. Amber is just like me. She sells her body to survive. That's why it's just the two of us together. I don't have any other friends. Amber had to resort to selling herself because her family's company went bankrupt. People know what kind of women Amber and I are. We can't be expelled from the University because Amber knows the owner. That's why we are still able to study there until now. After class was finished, it was time to go home. "Want to go out tonight, Gem?" Amber asked. "Oh, let's go," I answered. "At the pub tonight at 10:00 p.m. I'll pick you up at the condo." Since I started selling myself, I haven't set foot in that house again--the house I've lived in since I was born. "Gem, Gem, look at that!!" Amber pointed out to me a couple. They are a couple that only attracts jealous people. The two of them were sitting, bickering at their usual corner table. Those two people are Marco and Jin. Huh... many people are jealous of the two of them. But I'm not jealous at all. It's even pitiful. "A rotting ghost with a rotting coffin," I said with no emotion. "Yes, you're right." Someday, I will make my stepmother and stepsister know what it's like to have everything taken away. At exactly 10:00 in the evening, Amber came to pick me up at the condo. We are going to a pub tonight. "Hey, you look great tonight, huh?" Amber tilted her head while looking at me. "I'll meet someone later," I uttered. "Hmm... with whom?" she asked. "It's Caleb." "Is that Marco's friend?" "Uh... yes." "So he won't have any problems?" "What problems will there be? Will they have problems because of someone like me?" I uttered. "Not like that," she said. "I'll take care of both of us later," I told her. "Alright. I'll leave it to you then," Amber replied. *** At the pub. The guys had arrived and already ordered, waiting at the table. Amber and I walked together to find Caleb at the table. Garry, Jackson, and Marco were sitting there. The latter looked at me with a slightly shocked expression upon seeing me. "Is this the girl you told Garry about?" Marco turned to ask Caleb. "Oh, Gem, come sit here," Caleb called me to sit next to him. As for Amber, she sat next to Justine. Then the waitress walked over and prepared some drinks for us. After sitting and drinking for a while, Caleb reached out and poked my arm. "Let's go to the bathroom." Caleb leaned forward and whispered to me. "Are you in a hurry?" I asked him. Caleb raised his eyebrows at me and then stood up, walking towards the bathroom. "I'll be back soon, Amber." I turned to talk to Amber, then got up and followed Caleb. When we arrived at the bathroom, Caleb dragged me into the last cubicle. "Uh. Chill. Take it easy. Okay?" I pushed Caleb on his shoulder. Then after that, Caleb walked out of the bathroom. As for me, I straightened my clothes and then walked out of the bathroom. "Hey... is the guy really good?" As I was walking out of the bathroom, a man's voice greeted me. I turned my head to see who it was. "Marco," I uttered. Marco was standing in front of me, smoking a cigarette while looking at my face. "Hmm. He's fine. It's still thrilling in some way," I responded to him. "Huh!" he smirks. Marco took a puff of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke forcefully. As I was about to walk past him, he grabbed my arm to stop me. "Yes?" I raised my eyebrows and asked Marco. Marco took another puff from his cigarette and blew the smoke in my face, looking at me intently. He then pulled me into the same place I had just come out of. Marco walked back to the table first. As for me, I sat in front of the bathroom, smoking a cigarette. Suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere and sat next to me. He was handsome, with fair skin and a smooth face that resembled a woman's. However, no matter how attractive he was, it didn't affect me in any way. Just as Amber had once told me, I felt numb. I couldn't feel love for anyone. "Are you for sale?" The man sitting next to me suddenly said. "What?" I turned to look at him. "Are you offering yourself?" he asked. "Um...why? Do you want me? Because if you don't want my service, just don't ask," I uttered. He remained silent and continued to smoke his cigarette. Meanwhile, I continued smoking until I was finished. I flicked the cigarette away and stood up, preparing to walk back to the table. However, the man grabbed my arm before I could leave. "Do you want to come to my condo?" he asked. I looked surprised at the face of the man who invited me to his condo. "How old are you?" I asked. "Sixteen." He smiled faintly at me. "I'll see you when the pub closes," I uttered. "Can I have your number?" he asked. "Give me your phone," I uttered. He handed the phone to me. I pressed my number for him to go. When finished, I handed the phone back. "My name is Brandon," he said. "Hmm," I replied shortly. "And your name is...?" I didn't answer. I just turned my back on him and walked into the pub. "Hey...you still haven't told me what your name is," he shouted behind me but I didn't care. I walked back to the table and noticed Marco sitting there, flirting with a woman. This man is quite naughty, I must say. But interestingly enough, Marco and Jin seem to have a certain compatibility. Because Jin is secretly involved with Garry, who happens to be Marco's friend. And it's highly unlikely that Marco is aware of this situation. As for me, I only know about it because Caleb shared the whole story with me. "What took you so long?" Caleb pulled me by the waist and hugged me. "I just happened to run into someone I know, so we chatted for a bit," I answered. "Will you spend the night with me tonight?" Caleb whispered to me. "I'm not available tonight... maybe next time." "Alright then... but next time, I hope you won't refuse to spend the night with me," he uttered. I nodded. "Yeah, I promise." "Marco, you're neglecting your friends," I heard Jackson suddenly say to Marco. It seems like Marco is only focused on flirting with women and doesn't seem to care about anyone else. "Yeah, guys! I'll go to the bathroom first!" After saying that, Marco and the woman stood up and walked towards the bathroom. I suppose it's not hard to guess why they went there. They probably will do something hot. Then we continued drinking. After a while, Jackson and Caleb excused themselves to go outside to smoke cigarettes. "Gem, I've been looking for you since earlier." "Why? What's going on?!" I asked my friend. "Look at the man at that table. I see him looking at you all the time." Amber extended her hand and nudged me to look at the person she was referring to. I glanced over at the table where Amber pointed, and as I turned to look at the man sitting there, he raised his glass of wine and gave me a sweet smile. It was the same guy who had invited me to his condo while I was in the bathroom. His name is Brandon. "Hey Gem, I really want him. But he seems very interested in you. He doesn't even glance at me." She made a slightly angry face. "So can you go up to him and ask for his name? Or could you get his number for me?" she added. "Hmm. His name is Brandon. And he got my number earlier," I replied to Amber. "Oh! That's why he's been looking at you. He likes you," Amber whispered to me. I just shrugged. "So how is it? Is he cool?" "We didn't really talk much. We agreed to meet when the pub is closed. And he invited me to go to his condo," I replied to Amber. "Hmm. Why are there so few handsome and cool guys?" she uttered. "You talk like your dad isn't handsome at all." The father I'm talking about is the owner of the university where Amber is secretly having an affair. Even though he's in his forties, he's still handsome. He has a very muscular and fit physique, with a tight six-pack. "Shh! Don't say that loud or Daddy will show up. I actually sneaked away to come here!" "I hope your daddy comes here to see you," I joked. "Oh God! Gem! You just hit a nerve talking about Daddy. It gave me goosebumps." Amber rubbed her arm back and forth. Amber and I continued drinking. A guy named Brandon was looking at me. He kept his gaze fixed on me even when I looked away. I pretended not to care. For a while, Marco, Caleb, and Jackson returned to the table. We didn't know where the woman who was with Marco went, and she didn't come back. Then we continued drinking until the pub was about to close. After a while, my phone rang. I picked it up and checked who had sent me a text message. When I clicked to look, I immediately knew who had greeted me. It was that guy named Brandon. From Brandon: I'm waiting in the car. He also mentioned the type of car he has and its registration number. I read the message but didn't reply. "Hey, Amber. I might leave first," I said. "Oh, are you leaving? Alright. I'll just go home with Jackson later," Amber replied with a meaningful smile. "You're leaving? The pub isn't closed yet. It seems like you're in a hurry to go home," Garry commented. "I have somewhere to go. Please excuse me," I uttered. "Hey, Gem. Don't forget next time, you have to sleep with me," Caleb whispered. I nodded. "Alright. I won't forget." "Amber, don't get too drunk." I turned to tell Amber. She nodded at me and responded, "Okay." Then I walked out of the pub and headed straight to the car of a guy named Brandon. As I was walking towards the car, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. But I didn't read them because I was trying to spot Brandon's car. After walking around for a while, I found his car. I opened the door and sat inside. When I got inside, Brandon was waiting for me. "So, let's go?" he asked. I nodded. Brandon then started the car and drove away from the pub. "You haven't told me your name yet." He looked at me. "Do I really need to say it?" I said quietly, maintaining a serious expression. As I finished my sentence, Brandon seemed a bit taken aback by my response. "Please tell me your name. I really want to know your name," he pleaded. "It's not necessary," I replied. "Why are you so cold?" he asked. "Smile for me, please... I think if you smile, you must be very beautiful," he added. Why does this guy talk so much? I'm starting to get annoyed. I remained silent and didn't answer. Then I leaned my head against the car window. "You're so cold huh," Brandon said as he continued driving. While we were in the middle of our journey to his condo, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. I checked my phone to see who was sending the messages, and it seemed urgent. I saw that the messages were from Marco. From: Marco Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Come back to the front of the pub. I'll wait for you. Who is with you in the car, huh? Where are you now? Why aren't you replying? I didn't respond to his messages. After reading them, I turned off my cell phone. "Is your boyfriend looking for you?" Brandon asked me. It seemed like he also noticed the consecutive messages coming to my phone. "No, and stop asking questions," I replied to him. Brandon just shrugged his shoulders. After a short while, we arrived at his condo. When we entered, he took me up to his room. It was a very luxurious room, indicating that he must come from a wealthy background. "Please give me your account number. I don't have any cash here. I'll transfer it to you," Brandon said, handing me his phone. I entered the account number for him. After a while, a voice message came in, but I didn't see how much was transferred. "Do you want it in the room or here?" I asked, then pointed to the large sofa. "Who said I would do that to you?" Brandon smiled sweetly at me. "What do you mean?" I asked him. "I just want to sleep and hold you. I didn't think of anything like that," he clarified. After Brandon said he didn't want anything to happen between us and just wanted to cuddle, I took my cell phone and checked how much money he had transferred to my account. And I was surprised to see that the money was quite a lot. "If that's the case, why did you transfer such a large amount of money?" I asked him. "Well, I just wanted to." Brandon smiled sweetly at me, then he took my hand and walked into the bedroom. Once inside the room, we both lay down on the bed. Brandon hugged me from behind. "Hey, are you already asleep?" I heard him ask. But I remained silent and didn't respond. "You're probably asleep. Good night, then." After saying that, Brandon kissed me once on the shoulder. Throughout the night, Brandon did indeed keep his word. And I couldn't believe that he didn't do anything other than just hold me. Perhaps this guy is going crazy, paying me a large sum of money but nothing happened between us. The next morning was Saturday. I didn't have any classes at the university today. I woke up late, so I got up and prepared to go back to my condo. Meanwhile, Brandon was still asleep beside me. But when he felt me getting up, he also woke up. "Are you leaving?" he asked, opening his eyes. "Yeah," I replied curtly. "I'll drive you," Brandon said, jumping out of bed and standing up. "No need. I can manage on my own," I told him. "No. I brought you here. I can't let you leave on your own. Just wait for me. I'll just take a quick shower." Brandon got up from the bed and hurriedly grabbed a towel before heading into the bathroom. But does he really think I will listen to him and wait for him? After Brandon went into the bathroom, I decided to leave his room as well. When I arrived outside the building, I hailed a cab to go back to my condo. Once I reached my room, I sat down on the sofa and let out a sigh. After a few moments, tears welled up in my eyes. "I miss you so much, Dad, Mom," I said as tears streamed down on my cheeks. This world is really cruel to me. After crying, I clenched my fists. I gritted my teeth and glanced out the window with vengeance burning in my eyes. "You will pay for everything you've done to me, Emma and Jin!" I exclaimed. Then, I raised my hand to gently wipe away my tears and took a deep breath. After a while, I got up from the sofa and took a shower, changing into fresh clothes. After that, I proceeded to clean my entire room. I was engrossed in what I was doing when my phone rang. When I checked, it was Amber calling me. "Hey, Amber, why did you call?" I asked her. "Are you at your condo right now? I'll come over. I'm bored," she said to me. "Sure, I'll wait for you," I replied. "Okay. I'll come over. Bye, Gem!" After that, she ended the call. Then I continued with my cleaning. After a while, I heard the sound of the doorbell. I thought it might be Amber, especially since I wasn't expecting any other visitors at the moment. So, after setting aside my cleaning supplies, I headed towards the door and opened it. However, I was surprised because it wasn't Amber who greeted me. "Marco!" I exclaimed in surprise. He took the opportunity to enter my condo without my permission! "Why are you here? What do you need?" I asked him after closing the door. "Where have you been? And why haven't you been replying to my messages, huh?" he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's none of your business where I've been. And why do I need to tell you?" I retorted. But Marco remained silent, just staring at my face. After a moment, my cell phone rang, indicating a new message. I was about to check it when Marco snatched it away from me. "What ! Give it back to me. You have no right to my personal belongings, Marco!" I exclaimed angrily. But it seemed like Marco wasn't even listening to what I was saying. His attention was solely focused on my cell phone. "Did you sleep with this guy?" Marco asked, raising the cell phone out of my reach. And I knew he was reading the messages from Brandon to me. "Yes! I slept with him!" I said, snatching the cell phone back from Marco's hand. "When will you stop selling your body, Gem? I've told you before! I'll take care of you! How much money do you need?!" he exclaimed forcefully. Marco had talked about this matter with me many times already, but I kept refusing. "You don't need to do that!" I told him. "Why don't you want to?!" he asked. "For what? So you can make me a mistress while you're with Jin? I know you exactly know what's going on between me and that woman! If you want me to stop selling myself, leave Jin! Because I won't settle for being just a mistress, Marco!" I retorted. "Are you going crazy?! I'm paying you and I never fail! And Jin? She has nothing to do with this! If you only knew, she wants you to come back home! You're the one making things difficult for yourself, Gem! What do you think you're doing? Don't you even think about Aunt Emma?" he said to me. "I'm an outsider. What do you know? Do you believe what those two are saying?" I exclaimed angrily. "Gemma!" Marco tightly squeezed my arm. But I didn't show him that I was in pain. Instead, I lifted my head and looked directly into his eyes. In these moments, I knew he was angry with me. After a while, his cell phone suddenly rang. Marco let go of my arm and answered the call, while his other hand remained in his pants pocket. "Yes, Jin. I'm on my way already," he said. "Huh!" I sarcastically laughed upon hearing the name of his caller. Marco turned towards me and stared at me. This guy is such a jerk. "Yes, I'll be there in half an hour. I just need to change," Marco added while looking at me. After that, he ended the call. In an instant, he pushed me down onto the large sofa. "Here's the money. Take it!" he said, holding it close to my face. "You'll be meeting your beloved girlfriend, won't you?" I asked in a soft voice, my hand gently caressing his arm. For now, I will let them be happy. But in the end, I will make sure that their happiness fades away. After a while, Amber arrived. "Gem, I think I saw Marco coming from here," she said to me. "That was him," I replied. "Oh, don't tell me you two are getting along now?" she asked. "No way!" I denied. "But I think Marco has feelings for you. So just let him be. By the way, where does he get the money he pays you?" she asked. "I don't know. He's not rich or anything. So that's strange," I replied. "That's exactly it!" she agreed. After that, Amber and I sat and talked for a while. As the afternoon passed by, Amber said she was bored, so she invited me to go out and take a walk to the mall. But when we arrived there, we heard someone calling us from behind, asking us to wait while we were busy strolling. "Hey, ladies. Wait for me!" Amber and I turned to see who it was. "Oh! He's the guy who kept staring at you last night, right?" Amber remarked.		Enjoy reading-D r e am e		97	https://www.facebook.com/100086468286886/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2732332	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 1:20 AM	1740993503	1749709214		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481777223_2370034430003466_1149285512124180174_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m_ofCb1k9q4Q7kNvgHDiONy&_nc_oc=Adg_qgzG9uyQ5s6d6KC6ayHqPKX7U8_5xvXSx3d8cNa-EX1yaIkP4dsonTZmlHjUMrRR9MxmOY5VkPXxsSD35Ijx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYAgxgMAF3Sy0941C5gUBnwUFmLLYapd7Vb9c9qASIXakA&oe=67CB4609	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732338	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 3:31 AM	1740993503	1749285075		2747																										www.yumread.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481274017_631635063063244_819823610169420079_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nY6HAM08M-YQ7kNvgE_yV3w&_nc_oc=AdgpREiN-15RjLCER1FaEV224IA0tz2c7b0CkFvYJOuWd_c4aAyD4xVKaPyu_ifg8bxIfOFCGL8QlvdWdmRsd3dl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYA9OLURvwWEAYF4zluxRUdwHtxwFn68K8io2w2VNYvuOA&oe=67CB4A68	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732195	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 3:45 AM	1740993500	1745916317		2747																										arialief.club	Learn More			DCO	{{product.name}}	{{product.description}}	https://www.arialief.club/			5.085131356869E+14	Health Life	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481678585_946637913898226_2061892754512811554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lCT7HzJyHe4Q7kNvgGqNF3r&_nc_oc=AdjN_0_UYJSrVO6cM4QHOGXShR6X1wo69GFN7UgEnHsnHScDVr4--RE4LO1YzO-wMVx4IDW4CPVz_Xwfo8-CbWCr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYATYIf83EKl-IkFg4NVj9wUN1wE5L5lZ2jPaKsMuGmrzA&oe=67CB3F4B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Health Life		1	https://www.facebook.com/61572789893125/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731939	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 7:29 PM	1740993495	1749688143		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481181549_1679024172824755_8738245199637825860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T0R5CIV6vr0Q7kNvgGKAMx_&_nc_oc=AdjFJ2cqdIN0tqV33OaGILbjjPp2z4tn5I260tUpqXxXu2uaH1Nh2CwlAuuk3H4dZ338ADK0D4z2_komjwUC2hRW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYBZChK7hXtRuU_UL0oW7JqolYVjaNC19owsAqKn622rEg&oe=67CB2D9B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732234	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 7:30 PM	1740993501	1749688221		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481993940_959730415890820_4062852238166425033_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=piEZANsC_r0Q7kNvgHoDpbb&_nc_oc=AdjHC376CNrWx8yQNyyP5YM2llkl5eygLkaZuRnpO6QGqe_5rvne_bafXuN8RCP1Fy3lGIRXed88mYsLK_AQ76uZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYAQJQBnyFgAQNldOFOaPQ4tFtyHxwhP3Ji-n7gVMNvF3g&oe=67CB43EE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731740	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 7:35 PM	1740993490	1749688543		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481668608_607426512102051_1289226811326749048_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8wnX3rRqL5MQ7kNvgG3KYRG&_nc_oc=AdgeqPc0HlhgwQ8LrrjdR82WVfr8qU-xrXr7kfnglSxwq6iu842C3YrZXhV_X73etaOpI_BzhA5R3Bm43oZamfPw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYBvo70BCxaJ4498AxCDiRr607-dh7k__ps_W7AkI0H-HQ&oe=67CB3B76	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731620	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 6:17 PM	1740993488	1746746225		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥💟Unlock all episodes🎬		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45231&language=en&timestamp=1736337134803&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.0416902609396E+14	Shorttv APP	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480963504_1432822701430249_8829714540802548265_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lp9hW4dDibsQ7kNvgGxbsLU&_nc_oc=AdiFHAuPdXgePK_5tn32LRTgH2Ja6Dk98-jzA3IP4MQLRbHquffRKhvG-aA_NbYc83bzEKUt2jthV9wz3p8yVgiX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYCHwqU8Ym3sw8dAfpcTkYcKr8TT4sGRIP2-k5OfRDWv4g&oe=67CB3979	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥💟Hidden Desires, Unspoken Words - The Drama You Can’t Miss!🎬		Shorttv APP		26229	https://www.facebook.com/100095062656787/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731839	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 6:02 PM	1740993492	1746745344		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481111107_1425980738768819_2872616334649663091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=C6XluWRp4ucQ7kNvgF6aX8X&_nc_oc=AdjNcZaGNed11T8eaFOYetFuXfXMqvkSQZrUYDQIVmH5u6cVd8Lda8-R0VW00QHBUJlnSXzQpJtff25M9KPJIMMB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYCpWwlKyND7XHlOJAWxtBnCx5Wu7o-C7E3htCgKK5Ewiw&oe=67CB3513	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731673	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 6:04 PM	1740993489	1746745466		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481244194_606129662382008_7308570650889164184_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4MOGfPwMEWQQ7kNvgGAzAVl&_nc_oc=AdiQjWKMqAmv7hTWNBzqQB2ktc56DEiC_YyGZsROWDvlESa3cfR9M9U07Wj9TZQKZImO7DHyOAa5uRfe1Z0sqWE1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYB_ezQyXRbv3i9_5H5be_BczXw3QFK3WPW3W_RC7437Hg&oe=67CB4C46	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732327	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 9:37 PM	1740993503	1749695858		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👀 Watch more exciting content now !👉👉		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			1.0466206607493E+14	Non-stop	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481051235_1812078006224207_8861503957911550074_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fRMjM30YjTcQ7kNvgGpgP5i&_nc_oc=AdhBzvqzzcyZR5CqEbG8qe3pxBS_MfXdHG3PWGd-dEW7A-bA76vUik2zL1mHGLyYKlFbStXLxTatJgOiR6RYp5Sl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYBwI_1lkvpk4BaN73Ctb6CqVXy7Za8XCOMKR96ibr8Q6w&oe=67CB3012	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥So Hot!😍This short drama is so hot that I can’t stop watching it for even a minute!💥🎬🕛 🤩The Divorced Billionaire Heiress👸👸 😈😣On our third wedding anniversary, my husband divorced me and I waspublicly humiliated by his mistress. Little did they know, I'm the daughter of the richestman in the States, and all of my ex-husband's resources came from me. 💰💎 💞💞Luckily on the same day, I accidentally ended up marrying a dashing billionaire. 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 💃Now, I have wealth, leisure, a handsome husband, and another mysterious identity. 😏❤️ 👀Can anyone top that? Just wait!👺		Non-stop		2227	https://www.facebook.com/61552313828329/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731378	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 9:56 PM	1740993482	1749696982		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/477760147_1743826759513982_7181161487526217601_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pyBHaDZ4jsQQ7kNvgEqcVpI&_nc_oc=AdhpapwlCeQRmHe2_608wzK6nScYiUv_FH9Abb39fKAqVOW3RJjRMKRJWCkHlo6DlS9-mPnzOeDcJOwjCFqKCHNw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYBllMQTiHupnOW-jXJKvoGsN47k6FroLEPKQdWVA6Rdyg&oe=67CB2A31	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731652	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 8:39 PM	1740993489	1749692389		2747																										noveloasis.onelink.me	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907468200751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481466441_661944119832033_1635841826737692_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2bkB6N5PmOoQ7kNvgH_WTmk&_nc_oc=AdgMJRg5scXsKZO0f7RT5BhF166shUj0wTepHiIrZNZfYj9SzYdOJ-XGGKqUIKbNmj553FlE6f4Ws7pHX7IkiJZC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDwmluRPC4g9UzL2STdPme5HoTgTVd506AiqCBTJNRYMw&oe=67CB515A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731859	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 6:09 PM	1740993493	1746745773		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480779624_604630042409539_9175363060087967548_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WHcOLodTFTIQ7kNvgF-3nM2&_nc_oc=Adj9WCPvttR5dXYONaekCqzqzSjs9VrlKXxbydA7cb8scy3lQLH-h9Nlps8UQNXOfvO3cq-xEA2CxNGLnGgEDkYp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYB7YwuUF2Ccfa3Zq0bC2-OGfH96AisIHtoluYQII3w_rg&oe=67CB5138	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731602	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 8:05 PM	1740993487	1746752739		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480792816_3958113977791341_5043835149271650648_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6sMWHWE3tkAQ7kNvgFVZ-CS&_nc_oc=AdjSL_o1FiJMCJFxuP9lN91P51-Osyr1Dhjpm09g4ofgMtaKab0lWWoEuukmEbkzB-p2XLTSsE74jVoduvcYBhrW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYD5XkvI3GAfN2XX4s7g0ptpoBp54rBvK9uYzZPYaWG9AA&oe=67CB3449	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		Hut001		194	https://www.facebook.com/61550056771112/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731838	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:37 PM	1740993492	1749865044		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481058136_2346188805738110_8516176297375390030_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M0TzRe3ct6cQ7kNvgE-qIeF&_nc_oc=AdiDD3LEKEAwYgEi6_fNZAORsZHwL-0_nGKzTeBWrcp01bT-t35kb2CubcTt7zbfX3AzH8VDBjGRIezH7h0X-L35&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYCZKyE5L1WynZXCoKvFLrkuf5VzveSw2LGZPe7fqs0qLw&oe=67CB2E45	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732082	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 10:38 PM	1740993498	1749699524		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052183.html?language=en&timestamp=1740744487413&channelCode=DALPF1052183&bid=41000112604&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.5729052745989E+14	DramaBox- movies and drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481045147_2337454486634001_8187571689474797712_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pVtcpvHdYRYQ7kNvgGsDVfU&_nc_oc=AdhZtyWjLx-okl4Jlj_mVplO7SoSoQYwrJUZa-qE6CKVsynhUQC4fOOKnjs0CwH1lidnDCkNQhoMkEJOE3Rn_fRD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYAlLQFA_zc0AIWqvZe7Prnnv2l4klwmdScSga-U1gtrKQ&oe=67CB4532	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Female lead is the daughter of the richest man, but pretends to be a cleaner for her boyfriend, andsecretly brings him great benefits. When the female lead thinks that her boyfriend is going topropose to her, she discovers his betrayal. The betrayed female lead reveals her identity but isridiculed and disbelieved, at this moment the male lead stands up for the female lead and says hewill marry her.		DramaBox- movies and drama		150975	https://www.facebook.com/61552602510168/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731653	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 5:39 AM	1740993489	1749638397		2747																										noveloasis.onelink.me	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907468200751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481201289_1193398782303566_8530060184077560683_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_FGYfV3XOUYQ7kNvgGpW8Dl&_nc_oc=AdhInsEwZ6zMvBsjRVkZewztdvUQ5RIAVCuIwSgoPgwd3kr4WYc8kr6Mtz9KvjOOVe-doz2Z0C7KXMXIJH86Md1J&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYB41Xv6-o5PlRqhHtsvWPsP_d95nES4PEj9kaLWgFn0DQ&oe=67CB54CF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732280	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 11:15 PM	1740993502	1749701755		2747																										w2a.shorttv.live	Learn more			VIDEO			https://w2a.shorttv.live/v4/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=52010&language=it&timestamp=1740650585088&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&utm_id=101636			1.0416902609396E+14	Shorttv APP	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074589_1146746913356868_3224455649611238498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q_ijvWBU424Q7kNvgEpOSq7&_nc_oc=AdjzPEMmjFFsauacrpflxnFovmyXyOqLMdqrQ2m118B0280Wlse6ZRASMtrxSgZFPPxX4Om0Q3h04z6wOMpZ0z9o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCcRnoom7ipBxGb0gGLe_Xr8MkiUwAQjy3Nj6UBL9tYPQ&oe=67CB42DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Cinque anni dopo il divorzio da Alpha Regan, Sia ritorna con suo figlio per scoprire che Regan non ha mai divorziato da lei e la odia ancora! Reagan ha chiesto a Thea di fare la spogliarellista perché pensava che Thea gli fosse stata infedele cinque anni fa. Reagan poteva punirla, ma non poteva smettere di amarla e, all'improvviso, un giorno, scoprì che suo figlio era in realtà suo...😱		Shorttv APP		26237	https://www.facebook.com/100095062656787/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732331	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:25 AM	1740993503	1749705904		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481276337_4016176315285819_8493928959534488900_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e6zYrPxiSv4Q7kNvgHY3Sj1&_nc_oc=Adj1G9WSmYR1JMmrrMhVKCYfG-4Jv0b9PXrhRfEl680o5x4MpTjf2T2rhBMBgQABAXRUSxNi8wFfr5o7sUOgtF6H&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYBAGslhFeB9d-AlCQTwINr9l9kViUQBHVrWVzoAAAgZzw&oe=67CB41B6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731742	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:28 AM	1740993490	1749706126		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481507931_1187147346455798_2860402469201025902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hmgG-fQytCYQ7kNvgGN5-Qc&_nc_oc=AdgG_vI1X4K1Rci45dcsWR71pBIcda-rAMWd1zm2nDAaU7zOfPu2usPB5nJUpG9Kf1X28GN6yTSBxV5RDNRJmEH9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYCbGbkCmwkMflHcL3gRmnhN2fSSfsx2JXKXZhmkImBJlw&oe=67CB5948	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731716	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 11:56 AM	1740993490	1749747365		2747																										carrentalcoach.simplero.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉Build A Profitable Car Rental Business		https://carrentalcoach.simplero.com/funnel/21183			1.8518888466818E+14	Car Rental Coach	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481824676_1231234995344936_3067220184025298438_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nHF5u0PuERsQ7kNvgFzQyUb&_nc_oc=AdiV31W_vzo8LqqHfe1rh2VQ-ukWpoFQij8V09A1yETUNIsOElTu1i0Aw7PgVB0PJFm_zmyCOD-Ek497OaM6qQZ1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYDlzJPLMwOOpULtKu5Vhg2FLAB4rw1Q5hTozW3yx60Hqw&oe=67CB2AE8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Lots of people know making money by renting cars is possible… But they’re too scared to start. “What if I don’t get a good deal on a car I want to rent out? “What if I do manage to get a good deal, but then it doesn’t work out?” “Would that simply be a huge waste of money?” There are the hypothetical scenarios most people are afraid of when launching or scaling their car rental business… And the truth is, lots of things can go wrong. But what made the biggest difference for me was taking the first step anyway! And after 2 years of trial and error… I managed to build a fleet of 56 cars that generate over $35,000 in monthly revenue. What I did wasn’t perfect… Especially since I had to go through a lot of trial and error… But I now know exactly what it takes to build a successful car rental business from scratch. So I teamed up with the greatest entrepreneur I knew, who shared my passion for the rental car industry, to teach this to others. That’s right, my business partner and I can help you make consistent money by renting cars… In a fraction of the time it took me! We’ve built a proven system that anyone can follow. So you can start your car rental business today, with minimal investment. 👇Click below to see if you qualify for personalized training. https://carrentalcoach.simplero.com/funnel/21183		Car Rental Coach		242	https://www.facebook.com/61553261200210/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731604	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:57 AM	1740993487	1749833828		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481260303_2140103996446741_6112951819859922908_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZU8RZlvdqkcQ7kNvgF1CsSM&_nc_oc=Adi86xVKPOoqbX0YV9CfbR7YJV5VCcwGOo_6Bt57n_kP1aHJ9e4ZOcLXI8m6eFyq4xni3e1tOdhqb5vzzyFJYmW3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBqPfscnxuWU8E7nre90VhEqHlgNc19dA9ecSjj7C6PaQ&oe=67CB2DD7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731616	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 7:33 PM	1740993488	1746750811		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480979384_9357781767624758_6903497881617489667_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5xhxeoA77oIQ7kNvgHP39Sw&_nc_oc=AdieHJwHJeUsmHEEhUcFArMjKneihHN3ik4Y45do8QU4c6rNCPBpFi1GT0xOJoLGh3XvKi-L2Kn_3Nu15KpO5z_E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYCAQdUOqSPA3wANL-M9fIM6auCh1boFuzavNO0YrC_rcQ&oe=67CB3C7F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2732253	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:04 AM	1740993501	1749704659		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	"I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846825%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480906701_1712362403497134_8870302622360044937_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5m7GBsVBhDQQ7kNvgHObZiY&_nc_oc=Adi_TTDg1ub5BP0yheUlk7ByFvo7J_oT9JPMAvCJI0_qdTddDb_YjEwqOD9HDUXlMn2AbDDDeHYfeQ_kmlc-DBMX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZ4MQjKNB3wXiPM7MzpjH24&oh=00_AYAp6bNiKTrYDMutG4rpayorROQywtGJnW4KqX7UvVSP-g&oe=67CB56DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731709	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:40 AM	1740993490	1749706807		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481246409_1305699883808102_5765738246671523867_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9MWWvCl6QSEQ7kNvgHm-24B&_nc_oc=AdjPjdNnOVnxscR9-PdZvxNILKgGm1OEFZ3iV8iXZffUylPjDPjaDu6RaXCX3yPAF4jHj25XySpP6pMRZZpp5132&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYCR75Ys6WlvsLPJD6WtZ3mJXWTG3EHUZEvbq2PERRgJZg&oe=67CB4DD9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336049	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731645	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 7:47 PM	1740993488	1746751631		2747																										www.sweatpals.com	Learn more			VIDEO			https://www.sweatpals.com/event/biohack-miami			4.886433776752E+14	biohackmiami	https://scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/476872851_1516920059711371_6060127923128031547_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=W47mxanvZfEQ7kNvgHqP2OT&_nc_oc=Adjks48HAIy2d8eMcYVlRinhTfAlO83JrSJaMChHrMMUmygg_nS25lUAsJjig6BqcNCQnKi09r3EaQIoyeP4W59N&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYARB57M4sHkjNTYhnEcpVHntMxlK-b0j1ZEg1HsHJSZLg&oe=67CB32CF	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0		Be part of our Biohack Miami community and experience health, wellness and fitness innovations. * Complimentary IV-drips * Yoga & Breathwork * HIIT Movement Sessions * Normatec chairs * In-Body Assessment * High Polyphenol olive oil * Cold Plunge Therapy * Exclusive VIP Access * Free Sample Products * Cupping, Electro therapy and Facials * Gratitude Closing Ceremony Also lots of cutting-edge biohacking innovations will be available for you to test and experience. Explore technologies like vagus nerve stimulation, ozone therapy, heavy metal and vitamin testing, PEMF, electric neuromuscular activation, microcurrent therapy, cellular optimization, and more. Valet and metered street parking available. Ride-share apps encouraged 📅 March 9th | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 📍 The Elser Hotel & Residences, Miami Limited tickets available – Secure yours now! 🔗 LINK IN BIO - LIMITED TICKETS LEFT @thebroadwayhealth @healthspan.official @tonythomassports @lifemed.cafeoflife @theozoneguru @cyborggainz @biohackerexpo @theelsermiami @theelserhotelmiami @thatkoalife @naventwins @socialbrand.mia @jefflioon		biohackmiami		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/biohackmiami	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731684	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:07 AM	1740993489	1749704869		2747																									KUEEZ ENTERTAINMENT LTD and others	www.theecofeed.com	Learn more			VIDEO	좌골 신경통 완화 💪🏼		https://www.theecofeed.com/ko/effective-ways-get-rid-sciatica-nerve?utm_content=%EC%A2%8C%EA%B3%A8+%EC%8B%A0%EA%B2%BD%ED%86%B5+%EC%99%84%ED%99%94&utm_source=fb6&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=create&ly=gsearch&mbid={{ad.id}}&ch=kscb-lg30u8lo			3.9194163732974E+14	Discount Discoveries	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481680322_2520324588137974_2258255887176596525_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eOop-ncLrgAQ7kNvgEmtbPi&_nc_oc=AdgaF7_-gTZBVFzbk6GRb8-tpl_kI4oSW0Ca7frK-Q6_9Bgn251uPOAaRy0iM--Zx-NHBgR9Ot1geOJJ832aIi06&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYC9TOWqoace98dA5pcrFrhra1P_F0rL5c3O8xUCLQjK8w&oe=67CB426C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		불편함을 완화하고 치유를 촉진하는 데 도움이 되는 치료 옵션을 살펴보세요! 자세히 알아보려면 클릭하세요! ➡️		Discount Discoveries		26086	https://www.facebook.com/61561987515569/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731976	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 7:50 PM	1740993496	1746751859		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970424C1B7D4351C2FEE97084D07F86707F			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481352560_1360534491804031_845091312504875825_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9OZo-FC37H0Q7kNvgHs3mOF&_nc_oc=AdgCrMoUN2CB4yww_T9HRcUJP9wLp28qHQDiRoPdwr7Lt05Q9lvae0tr_EEr_AVullY1ktiZHo1CvEmvbsOQ5eHT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYAKjoLJNHTOImY5guuwyS8b-e6lixxwErJLj5Cuk8_5dA&oe=67CB405C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731728	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 8:39 PM	1740993490	1746754790		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481704527_1143424667281807_6664690165646196803_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rGu1dhXSe64Q7kNvgHFoyVc&_nc_oc=AdjHsnC75YyDKV_RJCbbvT5erOUT3ovzj6QLLfVj_6sEyTjl7_IhrzALhj4-qBRYXwxP4Ztw3J_KcUPq17tMH7T3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYA6wXuQJale-jgxl8V4X5I7hUxnv3VKnlVWBy3R1iBbRA&oe=67CB35A7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731636	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 9:12 PM	1740993488	1746756750		2747																										w2a.cafedrama.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🎬 Watch the Full Episode Now 👉		https://w2a.cafedrama.com/facebookios.html?distCode=28a65c5c&campaign_name= {{campaign.name}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&creative_name={{ad.name}}&creative_id={{ad.id}}&pixel=dreamdrama_EN			4.4480074539249E+14	CafeDrama-js2	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482275042_1381468673296479_4893365524896752257_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0nkY4w7TkyMQ7kNvgFJN88b&_nc_oc=Adh8Gu8jjCdUkUGLz7dNXcYz8au2F2bAFtvwlIWcAuU6TSmIweSo3jRSej0heJCD8MI-Qh6Vq9Cw9OhiAabjIm7O&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AorokMrD2lEz-JHXhogNR0x&oh=00_AYBRgRTq_b3uaQVBwPeIS5BKEizzE9_dfpeggzJQiZBtIw&oe=67CB304A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Skylar Ellis, a top commercial lawyer, investigates an arson case to save his sick sister. He crosses paths with Zion Baldwin, an illegitimate heir fighting for his family’s fortune. Initially using each other, they clash, uncover hidden truths, and ultimately find redemption. 💔🔍❤️‍🔥 #RevengeAndLove #UnexpectedRomance #MysteriousMan #HealingHearts #LoveAfterBetrayal #FateAndDesire #IntenseConnection #HeartOverHate #Drama ✨		CafeDrama-js2		78	https://www.facebook.com/61569515732155/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731564	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 9:38 PM	1740993486	1746758311		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481343348_9496128337077272_3559263298088192205_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RdIxBXpqN-oQ7kNvgGrlEOr&_nc_oc=Adhj_G51Bt1fZFeViW_wjtg0L9zaJUYb3en01jzRW7YNhaG-JUyPthxTBxxpO7x1IK1RzTwMIiDFWOri3wP7sFUq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYDvbMDov6HQbmPQWZrQla003iJY_XcB0LZ603gLpc62XA&oe=67CB285A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731497	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 6:30 AM	1740993485	1745926233		2747																										amazon.com	Download			IMAGE	Fall for the Villain	Jesse is a normal girl from a f*cked-up family. The only thing she wants is freedom. Casimir, the dark and ruthless Wolf King, reigns in the underground dens of the wolf world with the power to compel anyone to do anything he commands. But he needs a new mate because the last two killed themselv...	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGX4W5BQ?maas=maas_adg_FD2561AF10F221D4553541914CEE228A_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas			1.2925232360325E+14	Author Aimee Lynn/Lane	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475797704_1116942076849475_2218095139366536265_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4E8Y0c4CiwsQ7kNvgGQZ7zC&_nc_oc=AdjNWhZInR3qlqciVdTPqgpIFopmDAtWTMktcz9CfO653pNFZVv106dpjIfveMyvHRstow9ABZ-HSdR_gBARb7Zf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDcTgAGz404Hw4b6aKFqLLZoLzyZTgQoxj7JrADCrZhwA&oe=67CB420F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My breath caught when he began to slowly trace the neckline of the dress with one, calloused finger. The material was so light that when he trailed that finger down, it was as thrilling as if he’d touched my skin. But then he took hold of my shoulders and turned me around so my back was to his warm chest and he leaned in, pressing right at my back, his breath fluttering on my ear as he trailed the tips of his fingers from my neck, to the point of my shoulders, then down my arms. “There is a lie among the males of your kind that pleasure is centered on… sacred places.” I shivered as the skin under his fingertips bloomed, the hair on my arms rising to meet his touch as he trailed them softly, slowly down my forearms. “Every square inch of your skin hides one thousand nerve endings. Each one a tiny seed of sensation. Did you know that?” His voice was rough, guttural. I shook my head and he chuckled and dropped his chin so his breath puffed, hot on my neck. Then he opened his mouth on the skin under my ear. My breath caught. Closing my eyes, I tipped my head back and aside to give him better access. A deep, approving rumble began in his chest, vibrating against my back. He rewarded me by lightly dragging those fingers back up my arm, so slowly that the goosebumps rushed ahead of his touch to sensitize the skin before he reached it. I shivered. “Do not be afraid, Jesse. I will paint you in pleasure,” he rasped, his touch trailing all the way up my arms, then to my shoulders, then down to trace the lines of my collarbones… and when I bit my lip, he took hold of my chin in one hand and turned my head, forcing me to meet his eyes. His stunning, sapphire eyes that glowed so chillingly cold it was like being doused in ice-water. “But do not deny me.” “I won’t,” I whispered. “I don’t want to.” He shuddered then, his eyes closing for a moment and his chin dropped so his lips brushed the top of my shoulder. “How you feed my power so acutely, I do not know. But it is… stunning, Jesse. If you can do this before we’ve completed the bond… I barely dare to hope how it will be once we have.” I tensed, then, knowing what that meant. And he felt it. With a low growl, he let his hands slide down, kissing the side of my neck again—softer, slowly, but his breath was getting faster, and I could feel the steel of him against my back. “Submit to me, Jesse, and I will show you a world you didn’t know existed.” His hands slid down and he began slowly furling up the skirt of my dress on both sides, concertinas of fabric gathering in his hands as the hem slowly climbed. My breath got faster too, goosebumps pebbling my back and raising the hair on my arms again. “I will,” I whispered. “I told you… protect me and I’ll give you everything you want.” He groaned like he’d been struck and leaned into me so I felt the heat of him from my calves to my neck. “Then it is time, Kitten. Now… prepare yourself,” he rasped. “We’re going to make you truly mine.” SLAVE TO THE WOLF KING by Aimee Lynn. Five books in one! Enjoy the entire #1 Bestselling saga (Radish, MyFavReads) on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited NOW		Aimee Lynn Author		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551483925825/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2732196	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 10:08 PM	1740993500	1746760124		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481250023_1311505966835436_7878406389672611137_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f7259iPCFWsQ7kNvgHf93St&_nc_oc=Adij0jHjkUt3AKThwt8lv-u5W1UuQlOrsllVTNyZZWCzEArVtHOfxpoK6COIHPuEmQrhCJctfmhbX-_4XNvW5102&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDWrvbv2dEbmiZgLfwTf_Fa6O_3vMYvbMTPTjqnocdgzg&oe=67CB3331	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732213	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 10:30 PM	1740993500	1746761446		2747																										www.short-tv.net	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥Hot drama: She's Back👉👉		https://www.short-tv.net/landing/fbindex.html?id=8015&style_id=1&album_id=20970&sex=woman&utm_source=FB&media_app_id=633768522315678&episode_id=77083&align=1&af_adset={{adset.name}}&af_ad={{ad.name}}&af_ad_id={{ad.id}}&af_adset_id={{adset.id}}&af_c_id={{campaign.id}}&auto_seconds=5			5.5512756767479E+14	HoneyReels-bd2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481007478_1383363776433181_1105136598538859650_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dSdo_Q3qMj8Q7kNvgHnls3c&_nc_oc=AdhIlAJF6f19bD3bAWhsxSzciNVzUgyyDwK76XM4rzOs50-W9gxCr1EY3PCJK6-2qEhVSukdjYWku0cZUplQ5SLN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYDUa2Zy7m7H1BYVUAVyHL-Xq6nnk28HM8eJkPds3IHwYw&oe=67CB32AC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥This short drama is literally the pinnacle of revenge thrillers—eye for an eye, it's absolutely thrilling‼️ 🎬"Anthony Campbell colluded with his wife's bestie to murder his wife, Kate Nelson. On the day of the funeral, however, "Kate" returned, catching everyone off guard. Stella Scobell disguised herself as her sister Kate to investigate the cause of Kate's death and seek revenge for Kate. Just as the revenge was about to succeed, Kate, who had lost her memory, returned and sided with Anthony..."#honeyreels #revenge #drama #She'sBack		HoneyReels-bd2		1068	https://www.facebook.com/61570868564738/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732130	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 1:51 AM	1740993499	1749711106		2747																										fb.netshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	The most watched skits by Americans in 2025. Click to download and watch more!		https://fb.netshort.com/adhtml/150539.html?pid=metaweb_int&c={{campaign.name}}&af_c_id={{campaign.id}}&af_adset={{adset.name}}&af_adset_id={{adset.id}}&af_ad={{ad.name}}&af_ad_id={{ad.id}}&af_channel={{placement}}&af_siteid={{site_source_name}}&af_force_deeplink=true&type=1&link_id=1895954051477676034&af_sub2=0			4.9796343339285E+14	Netshort HM3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481193422_1196842315136600_6755408913162906082_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bSxz2ODDt6wQ7kNvgFCA6ZF&_nc_oc=Adgx9lRQ77RA6UMoj-YhQ-nXxf_zp8pPsqh75uMsPjX1MSOsj3_nP3B1-M5hn-9HTGYTIl6nnwzAiAQL_eb25Vij&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AY9_jLxcqqElj1xdMSc7-zO&oh=00_AYD6Yy91mLGJEIjLNYwh5ZNtLfk4xnpbFOAfBPpm0Nlf4Q&oe=67CB5404	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Because of an accident, Kelly was forced to hide her pregnancy and leave her seriously injured fiancé Sabastian. Seven years later, Kelly returns with her daughter and unexpectedly reunites with Seb. He can't forgive Kelly's "betrayal" but couldn't help getting close to her...		Netshort HM3		6484	https://www.facebook.com/61567746545336/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731557	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 10:38 PM	1740993486	1746761889		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480932592_630675183031995_4089085853299249362_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ux_VQYFxlHQQ7kNvgEMf_IW&_nc_oc=AdjHU4zbbVHRi7qh-uGOIqTpU1rfKEAhWKN9G9eb4GQKj604vNlzQxDiVR9zH5UO97qrcDyNdT8lddhMpWweVTPi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYB4rS0Heqb15UYI75Gfor1r1TgvqhQjExZ-TbiRLHhx3g&oe=67CB463C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731553	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 11:48 PM	1740993486	1749703706		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480754212_1140721607504360_5828427046877858874_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lg34vaSQOgIQ7kNvgEdeV_8&_nc_oc=AdiXtwkWzS3SHOqgGoLycdpyLsKSOKcQj1xc5Itk0xVtryflt5JQybxAZnDWfoZcIlxXJY-lBR0p4EECHXZ6BYwg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYAJVZuH3hV_bRFnVRmtITvGVIW-iTuvguVjF-5kam07HA&oe=67CB2AC9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731499	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 6:16 AM	1740993485	1745925364		2747																											Call now			VIDEO	Dealing with the Reality of Life | Sunday Worship Experience | February 2, 2025					3.4434005956714E+14	The New St Luke M B Church	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481180648_572596205807953_4822962847909038432_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8PssPKuXg4EQ7kNvgGtJA5f&_nc_oc=Adjg-kK8FbdziwPBm1ErOq23MoDhTRYdbTkYF84imrei3Q1Apqn1nDM0f2gAzKGzNqSmdflZTJXqBuZk-FNXWaCP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYCo9MH3xllgobKMcE_DYrDYCyndoEhCcTaN1UDpQMpZmQ&oe=67CB5630	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Dr. J.L. Downing, Jr. Preacher/Teacher Sermon Subject: Dealing with the Reality of Life Scripture: Psalms 42:1-10; 43:1-5 Bringing the worship experience to you virtually! We are "A Church Built on Love" #ASmallChurchWithaBigHeart​ #LukeLove​ We don’t own the rights to this music. It is for entertainment purposes only. SUBSCRIBE Please be sure to share these videos with your friends and family and invite them to SUBSCRIBE to our channel on YouTube at Dr. J.L. Downing, Jr. Ministries and LIKE us on Facebook at The New St Luke MB Church for weekly content. GIVE Your generosity makes our ministries possible, helping to spread hope to the world near and far. Mail your gifts to PO Box 1224, Dundee, FL 33838 or Cash App: $NewStLukeDundee VISIT US IN DUNDEE If you are ever in the Dundee area on Sunday Morning come worship with us. 305 MLK St, Dundee, FL, 33838 10:00am		The New St Luke M B Church		618	https://www.facebook.com/NewStLukeMBChurchDundeeFL/	0		CALL_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731490	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 6:37 AM	1740993485	1745926643		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481015355_3972220562990274_4125199125736522698_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VMDKk5D9mAcQ7kNvgGRQqxE&_nc_oc=AdiZCoffMbu45plRisTzLcSDoYoMmr3SBl2CjqN3XGUpuzNnwdQZpjyCczcVfaW5bRxMsFsxvzdjMr4Px1DRRjM8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBcP_O8J2uGIRF7XiCqCzpB04JjeiJ-SZCwWTxVy7GCCQ&oe=67CB5BF4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731629	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/8/25, 11:44 PM	1740993488	1746765855		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052212.html?language=en&timestamp=1740926629102&channelCode=DALPF1052212&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3347401652654E+14	DramaBox-Movies and drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481120679_1025960329566868_8039456116946786274_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KMGWKELkBRwQ7kNvgE1MdaD&_nc_oc=AdiOPFhNr7Su6uTbfOHigjlxtkdoPYwscqbWqhEL03XC1KjRPqZPU-tt5vP3z3oPLY1dRakgmyFaBVBGbI2XPu0W&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYB2czZaJ_ABRFtIU5hOlaAIlcu-igMftAQj6HVEMV7F_g&oe=67CB2AAC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox-Movies and drama		715040	https://www.facebook.com/61554338662625/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731694	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 3:07 AM	1740993489	1749715674		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481978588_1327412958503658_8074744967569297667_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=orLhhRt9c08Q7kNvgG5bQHO&_nc_oc=AdjIaUem4hcLc6wGwvjEWIZPLQkXgiv9-G8j_SqI2vS5rkkktfmAZwJ_iSrs_nVsBA9yIEh3BSxNygUREqG5TiT_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYC8cb5zuvbv3VsO3CyK2nVB0dg1JUlaqiArIe0Epn4V6Q&oe=67CB25E6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731749	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 1:29 AM	1740993491	1746772155		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			IMAGE			http://instagram.com/poeticvent			5.8703045449239E+14	poeticvent	https://scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/481355704_1357680282313440_2016412412283664069_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=dURr56_sO6YQ7kNvgGZkA0W&_nc_oc=AdjdJa_EDegqX7RsVuDdjgcrdswjYWtXtwi17TOy4mfN3Ge2w9X7s3dlkoj0g3iI7CgSbWluWUMBf1nfdAqdAYV1&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYCZQDQFZxIam6KfCMd0iyVycg3mtfukhsfl-8IxLfdTlg&oe=67CB52FF	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0		Marry a poet . #urdupoetrylines #herheartpoetry #omypoetry #blackpoetry #urdusadpoetry #poetryporn #poetryoftheday #2linespoetry #poetrylovers #hindipoetry #poetryisnotdead #intags #poetrylover #bengalipoetry #poetrycorner #visualpoetry #poetryislove #instapoetry #poetrylove #urdupoetry #worldpoetryday #poetryislife #poetry #gulzarpoetry #poetryoninstagram #poetrylines #selfpoetry #poetryofinstagram #poetrycommunity #urdupoetrylovers		poeticvent		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/poeticvent	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732224	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 1:48 AM	1740993501	1746773322		2747																										dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	🔥Click to FREE watch more episode👉👉🎬	Signed, Sealed, Secretly Married	https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1057857.html?language=en&timestamp=1740324815680&channelCode=DLLPF1057857&bid=41000111648&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481248662_1405782850797417_2891171500003708931_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sZlJr2J9SSAQ7kNvgEuRSO-&_nc_oc=AdhZj8bb5gKfx-JQOwJCT9chRas6SDIqINUlQ5hBnqr_rP90LtJiDWY5ooZ0HTKJO1ybbYZeH0xE9J862SRX9jHD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYDVBoa8JOANAoebpppsjyluYpYLxrnu_ESAGAy0F0e5Wg&oe=67CB51F2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		With the help of his grandfather, Dave Quinn marries Tessa Gray, a girl he does not know much about. After marriage, Tessa works in Quinn Corp as a cleaner and makes Dave promise to keep their relationship a secret from their colleagues. However, some of her colleagues show disdain towards her, especially Dave’s childhood sweetheart, Lana Harris, who has a crush on him. Out of jealousy, Lana sets Tessa up in an attempt to get rid of her, hoping to ruin her marriage with Dave.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336145	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731624	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 1:54 AM	1740993488	1746773653		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Watch more			VIDEO	From Fake to Real Love		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1ixyyjvu&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D838%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D99999			4.0275171626001E+14	Eashort Moments	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480878285_3877627652451189_5590399231445609691_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=czofOeOVbSsQ7kNvgGDzq86&_nc_oc=AdgQMbeXDXIBmCNB-YAIg_Is2M8RcqF8USAmzBWDRmdnMzd6AisZIEG00LRs2W3QUjQSl_C0TOjeDd7ADQppjy8h&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYBYXOM60s-DTy3_xqNPHNdkh4xWHsp0u2IiN77-lZjVTg&oe=67CB3134	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fake marriage, real feelings? 💍💖 Natalie and Jasper's whirlwind romance will leave you breathless. What happens when a fake relationship turns into the love of a lifetime? Click to find out!		Eashort Moments		7	https://www.facebook.com/61565879992708/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731650	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 2:17 AM	1740993488	1746775078		2747																										noveloasis.onelink.me	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907468200751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481128380_1299712604652914_6056867405322786366_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_M9oVQvNERkQ7kNvgFYa8vp&_nc_oc=AdjhG41i009Dbu5SpQWZ8SAnKfrBCgbi6ou_7nqZ3vNCe2Lz0PiiFkfRnKQW70GEhxhITbQetuI-k0TqH9N4a8bR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDPu8RmaK9iuxTc0SiMWVrxJJ7aPks2rDK2VDJBbyP_XA&oe=67CB4010	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731725	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 2:36 AM	1740993490	1746776169		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481919492_1134539624806034_7355374270089228809_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WtFwjOibCswQ7kNvgFYnIx0&_nc_oc=AdhvyHgVrIvwRfjWAgrpZ6b_rXSYl7ZwjGd-mHAJRlokZ8UJh8A-6EZ7oRGm0JaVUhGLneszgTYBlziRxlqGL8hj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYBMCSquAomjqm5B3yUhLrmUBM_sVFT2jDVYpRNKBKlPRA&oe=67CB52C1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731430	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 6:46 AM	1740993484	1745927213		2747																										blog.vital-update.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		https://blog.vital-update.com/apirelief-us/adv			1.0954799162080E+14	Muebleria del Real	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481238025_1168611838086675_5580507197552695744_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ptup4Zgib24Q7kNvgHT76dp&_nc_oc=Adh-YjVsaMwhQMRqLRuPE2CcLrp_nSMkkdixijuVjtc6wNIae3SPLMvOq1HfE__9f8uMe-GRbHH5kckSGIY2lqbC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYACWyWfDZ1M5hj_ABqKhkaVsphco9iivzbzEWwNeYX-_g&oe=67CB3102	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		Muebleria del Real		27	https://www.facebook.com/100077451611178/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731516	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 1:54 AM	1740993485	1745996087		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732287	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 3:03 AM	1740993502	1746777800		2747																										a.vampirefictions.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.vampirefictions.com/ad/ZmFudGFzeWxhbmQvNDQ0MzY5LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwODE0L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.636569768248E+14	Vam002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481118056_1027449142556185_2769316226045359817_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X5QhxodEQk0Q7kNvgFPR8zu&_nc_oc=Adg-bFRyPNqEIIloRiS9t9juPBaBEZnSqI5nZIt3ju8isEvozqwtz3maRtfxO-qU7rKEaAr8U15AjxcNidnng-TP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCUty3oAfIVDGtZdFMM8Hn-xvqj4evjz7dghQfIVcsk0w&oe=67CB2999	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"She's not an ex or a bunny, is she?" "What? No. Cora and I went to school together. Her stepfather was my coach in high school. We were friends." "Just friends?" "Just friends. She's probably the only girl who's ever just been my friend. I've known her since kindergarten." Until she wasn't my friend anymore. Until I screwed it up. ____________ Cora The night is busier than usual, and I've run myself ragged trying to keep up in the ER. As a nurse, I don't normally work the ER, but I've had trauma training, and when three nurses called off, I came in. The overtime will be a nice bonus. I'm behind on my rent, and I hope this extra money will help me not only catch up on that, but on the other bills as well. "Cora!" I glance up from my charts to see Mrs. Hesh, my supervisor in the ER, hurrying toward me. She looks panicked. "What's wrong?" "We have several VIP patients coming in. I need your help." "Of course." I close the chart and put it back in the pile I still need to go through. "What do I need to know?" "Several of the hockey players from the Raptors got injured and are being rushed here. We need to make sure they're taken care of straight away and that the team and coaches are kept informed of their status. Can you do that?" "Shouldn't Shelia do that? She's the senior RN. I'm only filling in." Hockey players make me uneasy. Bad past experience. "I don't trust her not to ask them all for autographs. She's a total fangirl." My eyes widen. I didn't know Mrs. H. knew what that term even meant. "And I heard you say you knew hockey." "I do." "Good. I trust you not to lose your mind when confronted by the team." "No, ma'am, I won't." "You may need to wrangle some of the other nurses, too. I'll be busy with the patients." "They're not going to like it, especially the ones who have seniority over me." "Does that mean you can't do it?" The older woman turns and looks me dead in the eye, hers shrewd and assessing. But she can change my status here at the hospital. I'm not going to do anything to disappoint her. It says a lot she's trusting me with this. "I can do it." "Good." We both rush to the ER entrance, waiting for the ambulances to arrive. I pull my ponytail down and redo it, tucking the loose strands of my heavy blonde hair behind my ear. I learned during my first real rotation to always keep my hair up and out of the way. Otherwise, you could get run over in a packed ER because you can't see when your hair is swinging everywhere. It only takes a few moments for the first two ambulances to come screeching into the ER entrance, sirens blaring. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for two seconds then move forward, meeting the ambulance doors and waiting for them to open. The first player out is Jamison O'Brian. He has a nasty cut to the face, and his leg is propped up and held immobile by the board strapped to it. He looks rough, but not in danger. Dr. Billings waves him off with the nurse standing behind me. I don't remember the guy's name. I'm not down here enough to know everyone. The second ambulance holds a more serious injury. Myers is the name emblazoned on his jersey. His head is a bloody mess, as is his arm, a nasty looking gash that was most likely caused by a blade. That's going to keep him out for a couple of weeks at least, depending on any kind of nerve or muscle damage. He goes with Ava, the other nurse down here from my regular floor. Ava and I are friends, and we both frown at the seriousness of the injury. Ava is a huge hockey fan, but she can be trusted not to lose her mind over treating a player, which is why she's been called out to meet the ambulances. The last ambulance is the one Mrs. H. seems the most concerned with. As soon as the doors spring open and the EMTs start shouting stats, I get a good look at the unconscious man lying prone and bleeding on the stretcher. All the air rushes out of my lungs, and all I can do is stare. No. It can't be. He's in Florida. Not Minnesota. "Cora?" The sharp tone snaps me out of my funk. "Sorry. It's just I know him." "You know him?" We run after the stretcher. "I went to school with him." "Is this going to be a problem?" "No, ma'am. I was just shocked is all. I hadn't realized he'd been traded to the Raptors. I'm good." She nods and we get to work, me helping cut his clothes off, revealing the extent of his injuries. He has massive bruises on his abdomen, which might indicate internal bleeding. There's also a nasty cut along one thigh, and his shoulder is at an odd angle. The doctors twist it back into its socket while he's unconscious. I wince when they do, glad he's unconscious for that. Resetting a shoulder is extremely painful. As the doctors do that, we keep working, helping to clean away the mess so they can evaluate him. The bleeding is stopped, and then he's gone to CT to make sure there was no damage to the brain and to see if he has internal bleeding where the bruising is. I go to check on the next patient, who is currently complaining that he's fine and he doesn't need all the fuss. The doctor and the male nurse are disagreeing with him, but he just gets louder. They do not know how to deal with hockey players, apparently. Or they don't want to upset a VIP patient. Either way, the patient's care comes first, even when said patient is acting like a big baby. "Sit." My tone is sharp and commanding when he tries to get off the table. His brown eyes snap to mine, and I just arch a brow. "I'm fine." He stands up, daring me to say a word. He has no idea he's dealing with someone who grew up around hockey players. "You are not fine. Now, sit down before you fall down." The nurse and doctor look at me like I've grown two heads, but O'Brian sits, a scowl on his face. He might terrify everyone else with that look, but not me. "Don't give me that look. Your leg could be broken, and the more you stand on it, the more damage you'll be doing. Which means longer time off the ice. So stop being a whiney prick and let us take care of you so you can get back out there." "Fine," he mutters, and I shake my head. Hockey players. Mrs. H. stands to the side, a small smile on her face. "Cora, we need you in here, please." I peel my gloves off and don a new pair when I push into the room where Myers sits, growling at everyone. The nurses are all a little too giddy and not really doing their job. Sighing, I push through them, snapping for them to get to work or get out. The low chuckle from the bed catches my attention, and I arch that same brow. "That's a nasty cut, Mr. Myers." "I've had worse." Dark green eyes dance with mischief even with the twinge of pain in them. "I'm sure you have." Ava hustles over, looking exasperated. "Thanks for that. They weren't listening to me." "No problem." Between the two of us, we get him stripped and cleaned, working around the doctors and getting them what they need as well. Soon he's hustled off to x-ray, and Ava and I take a moment to catch our breath. "That was intense." "I forget how surly they can be when they're hurt." "Your stepfather was a high school coach, wasn't he?" I nod, not really paying attention. "So that's how you know so much about hockey." We both jump at the sound of Mrs. H.'s voice. "Sorry, we just needed a moment." "Understandable. Cora if you can go inform the team of what's going on, I'd appreciate it. They're camped out in the waiting room." "And being very loud, I take it?" Her lips twitch, and I know I'm right. Sighing, I push off the wall and take a glance at the charts before walking down the hall to the waiting room. I hear the noise before I even reach the doors. Loud isn't quite the word I'd use. Think of about thirty two-year-olds all screaming at the top of their lungs. That would be the most accurate picture of the noise coming from out there. No fewer than six nurses, male and female alike, are trying to talk above the noise. But honestly, they're not asking about injuries or informing the team about the patients. They're talking about the game. "Excuse me." I make myself louder than normal, but it's not doing a thing to get anyone attention. So I do the one thing I know will get through. I put fingers to my lips and let out a whistle so shrill it hurts the ears. Another thing left over from my high school days. A little trick my stepfather taught me. But it's effective, and every single bit of noise dies down. "Thank you. Now, where is the head coach?" He stands and walks forward. "I'm Coach Baptist." "All three of your players are being taken care of. O'Brian's in x-ray, and Myers and Chandler are upstairs in CT. They're checking for head trauma and internal bleeding. As soon as we know more, I'll come out and let you know." I turn my attention back to the nurses. "You lot have things to do other than stand around out here and gossip. Get back to work." "I outrank you." The snottiest of them grins. "Yes, but Mrs. H. put me in charge. Sure you want to tell her why you decided to pull that snarky little comment out of your a$s?" Her eyes widen, and she turns and marches back through the doors. Idiot. "Well, what are the rest of you waiting for?" They grumble but shuffle off. Which leaves the team to deal with. "Is there anyone else out here who needs medical attention?" A collective shake of heads is the only answer. "Now, I know you're all tired, and anxious to find out about your teammates, but this is a hospital. There are sick people here, and all this noise isn't helping." More grumbling. "I get it, guys, I do, but I swear if you don't settle down, you're going to deal with me, and trust me, ladder drills have nothing on my ire, so please do us all a favor and behave." "Ladder drills, huh?" one player asks. "You know hockey?" "Yes. Now, unless you guys need something, I'll be back when I have more to report." I turn around, and a wolf whistle follows me. It takes me two seconds to have the offender's ear in between my fingers. You'd be amazed at how quickly a man will come to heel with a little pressure on his earlobe. "Ow!" he screeches. "I'm not your honey, babe, or a bunny. I'm Nurse Stevens, and if you disrespect me again, I will have your balls. Understand?" "Yes, ma'am." I turn him loose and give them all a level stare. "Understand?" A chorus of "yes, ma'ams" follow me as I turn around and disappear behind the doors leadings back to the ER. Hockey players. Cora Has it really been only four hours since the worst shock of my life? But my trusty watch says it has. Thank God for all my training, or I might have run from the hospital and never come back. Shaw Chandler. Dear sweet baby Jesus. I never expected to see him again, especially not in Minnesota, of all places. He swore he never wanted to play where it was cold ever again. The southern states or the warmer ones on the west coast are where he wanted to play. It's why I felt so safe moving here. Even though hockey is king in this state the same way football is in Texas, I knew he'd never play here. But then, players don't dictate trades. He might not have been given a choice. And besides, it's not like he'd care I'm here, anyway. We haven't spoken in over four years. Shaking my head, I pull myself together and focus on the patient who needs the nausea meds. Poor man seems to have gotten food poisoning. He's thrown up three times since he got here twenty minutes ago. He's dehydrated, but the IV I put in with the fluids should start to help soon. "Here you go, Mr. Croom. This will ease the nausea." I hand him the tablets and small paper cup. He takes it and swallows the pills down. "God, I hope this stays down." Me too. He threw up on me earlier. Glancing at the clock, a sigh escapes when I see my shift is over. I can go home and forget I saw Shaw Chandler. But the pale stillness of him when he came in worries me. Shaw was my best friend all throughout school, and as much as he hurt me, part of me still worries about him. I always will. "I'm getting ready to leave, Mr. Croom, but Amber will be the charge nurse on duty. She should be by in just a few minutes. Is there anything you need before I go?" He shakes his head miserably, and I smile encouragingly at him. Food poisoning is one of the worst things in the world. "Hey, Cora." Amber shoots me a smile when I walk over to the nurses' station to clock out on the computer. "Watch that one. He's got food poisoning and has already thrown up on me." "Ouch." I wrinkle my nose. I smell like vomit, but at least I have on clean scrubs. I learned early on to keep several extra sets on hand. I give her the rundown on the rest of the patients as I gather my things. "I heard about the hockey mess that came in." "Yeah. Two serious injuries and one very loud, very vocal team." "We've had them in a few times over the years. Takes some wrangling." "I handled it." "I knew you could." She waves me off as I walk around the station. "See you tomorrow!" No, she won't, but I don't bother mentioning that. Amber is one of the nicest people in this place, and I try not to let my snarky nature disrupt her bubbly attitude. It's not until I'm in the elevator stepping off onto the floor where Shaw is that I realize I've even done it. I shouldn't be here. I know it, but I'm worried. He looked so pale. Groaning at my own gluttony for punishment, I walk down the hall to his room. No one is around. He's probably still passed out. He had a nasty concussion, but because of the surgery to repair his spleen, he had to have anesthesia. If I remember correctly, he doesn't respond well to the stuff. It knocks him out for days afterward, so I should be good just to sneak in and check to make sure he's okay. But he's not alone. One of the nurses from the waiting room is standing there, taking photos on his phone. What the... "Just what the heck do you think you're doing?" He whirls around, and his eyes go round. I whip out my phone and text Mrs. H. She's the one nurse I know who will take care of this. "What are you doing?" he asks, voice low. "Texting my supervisor to let her know what you're doing." He looks from the phone to me and then shrugs. He knows he can sell those photos for a few hundred thousand, easy. It's no biggie if he gets fired. He breezes by me and out the door. Oh, he did not! Running after him, I catch his arm and pull him around. "You're not..." "Don't make me hurt you, babe." His tone is threatening, but it doesn't register. All I'm thinking about is those photos. Photos of Shaw when he's vulnerable and unable to defend himself. "You are not getting out of here with those pictures." "You going to stop me, babe?" Without thinking, I grab his phone and slam it on the ground, smashing it in the process. Well, cracking the screen more than the phone flying into little bits and pieces. "You little bimbo!" And before I can dodge, his fist has connects with my face. Everyone on the floor sees it. He seems to notice and tries to run, but one of the hockey guys from downstairs is only a few steps away and snags him. "You okay, Cora?" Natalee, one of my good friends, asks as she helps me up. "Did you hit your head?" The pain vibrating across my cheek is horrible. The bruise is going to be epically bad. My head does hurt, but it's not as bad as the cheek. "She broke my phone!" the offender shouts. "That doesn't give you the right to hit a girl, dude." Mr. Tall Dark and Deadly hockey player doesn't look impressed with the nurse's outburst. Mrs. H. arrives and, seeing my face, rushes over to check it, her fingers gentle on my jaw. "This needs x-rayed." "It'll be fine." I can't afford a hospital bill. Even with our insurance taking care of most of the bill, I still can't afford what would be left. "No, it won't," she rebukes. "Or do I need to pull the same spiel you gave earlier?" I try to smile, but it hurts too much. "Now, is this the man you texted about?" I nod. "Yes, ma'am. He was taking pictures of Sha...Mr. Chandler. When he tried to run, I smashed his phone. I'm sorry about that, but it's the only thing I could think to do. Our job is to take care of our patients, not exploit them when they're unconscious." "He did what?" The voice of the player holding the nurse drops two octaves and turns from soft to hard so fast it would make your head spin. Even those pretty brown eyes have gone so cold and dark, they're nearly black. "She's lying!" "I don't think so." Mrs. H. collects the smashed phone off the floor. "The police should be able to pull any photos from the phone. It's not damaged too badly." The man's face pales. "We'll take care of this." Mrs. H. turns to Natalee. "Get her checked in then off to x-ray. Someone will be by to fill out an incident report, and Cora, don't worry about the bill. You won't be getting one since it's a work-related injury." Her expression dares me to argue, so instead I pull out my own phone and text my babysitter that I'll be later than I thought. At least I don't have to worry about one more bill I can't afford. When I get back from x-ray, they don't take me down to the ER like I expected. They bring me back to Shaw's floor and to a room. Natalee winks when she comes in. "Can't have one of ours down there in the mess." I smile gratefully, knowing she pulled a few strings. This is my normal floor, and I love the nurses I work with up here. "You got some ninja skills, girlfriend." "Ha, if I had skills, I wouldn't have gotten hit." "Yeah, I didn't see that coming either. I was already up and coming over when you snatched Marty's phone, but I wasn't able to stop him. Sorry." I wave off her apology. "How much longer do you think this is going to be? Noah's already up and probably mad that I'm not there to make his breakfast." "How is the kiddo?" "He's good, adjusting better than I thought he would when we moved out here." "It had to be hard on him. When John and I moved here two years ago, our daughter declared us horrible people and said she'd never forgive us." "How'd that go?" "She was five. She got over it when we took her ice skating." I laugh and then wince. "Don't make me laugh. It hurts." "Sorry." She hands me the cup of coffee she'd been holding. "I brought this for you. It's from the stand outside, not the cafeteria. Thought you'd need some caffeine." "Thanks, Nat." "Anytime. I have to go check on patients, but the doctor shouldn't be too long. He has to haul it up from the ER, so..." I shrug. It'll probably be a while longer than she let on. I'll drink my coffee and try not to focus on the man a few doors down from me. The one I shouldn't even have checked on. But I'm glad I did. No matter what happened between Shaw and me, no one deserves to have their photo taken while they're at their most vulnerable. Especially not by the people who are supposed to be taking care of them. "Knock, knock." The hockey player who snagged the nurse walks in. "that looks bad." "I'd say it looks worse than it feels, but I'd be lying." He comes closer, his hands in his pockets. His black hoodie with the Raptors logo isn't nearly as dark as his hair. The stubble on his face gives him a rakish look. He reminds me of a pirate and is way hotter than Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. The man is gorgeous, and he knows it. It's the way he moves, the confidence of his stride. I take a sip of my coffee, careful to blow on it first. "That's not from the cafeteria." "Nope. There's a little coffee vendor outside the hospital. Better than Starbucks." "No sh-it?" "No sh-it." "Good to know." After he stands there awkwardly for a full minute, I decide to put him out of his misery. "Is there anything I can help you with?" "Oh...uh...I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay." He doesn't sound nearly as confident as his stride. He sounds nervous. "I'm good." "And to thank you for what you did." "Not necessary. I'm sorry it happened. I didn't think anyone here would do something like that." "You'd be surprised at what people will do for money." The darkness lurking in his eyes tells me that he's well acquainted with the subject. Another minute goes by, and then his phone buzzes. He pulls it out and frowns at the message. "Everything okay?" He sighs. "My kid has terrorized another nanny. She's threatening to quit." Now that, I smile at. "My son went through three sitters when we moved here six months ago. He was adjusting to a new place, a new city, and sitters he didn't know." "My son has lived here his whole life, which is all of four years. He loves to cause chaos, and the nannies I hire don't like the chaos. I wish he was more like his sister. She's as sweet as can be." I laugh at that, not caring about the wince. "Three- and four-year-old little boys are a handful and take a certain brand of crazy to deal with all its own." "That they do." He smiles, and it lights up his entire face. "I'm Blaine Kirkos, by the way." "Nice to meet you, Mr..." He's shaking his head, interrupting me before I can get the word out. "No mister. Call me Blaine. We parents have to stick together. At least now I know how you handled a room full of hockey players and wrangled Myers and O'Brian. They said you were like a little general, daring them to disobey you." "Hockey players are very much like little boys." "I'm not saying I agree, but..." "But you do." His smile is my only answer. "So, I was thinking I could get you tickets to a game or something...to say thank you for taking care of everyone and stopping that guy from getting away with photos." "Oh, no, that's okay. You don't have to do that." "But I want to." "I work most nights you guys have games." "You could switch a shift or call in..." "Can't call in. Bills to pay and all that." "How about I send you tickets, and if you can come, then you come?" I start to tell him thank you but no when the doctor comes in. He glances at Blaine and does a double take. "Oh, Mr. Kirkos, I didn't know you knew Cora." He winks at me and shakes the doctor's hand. "Just in here checking on our favorite nurse. I'll let you talk to her so she can get out of here and home to her son. I'll be seeing you Nurse Stevens!" He walks out whistling, and the doctor turns to me, one eyebrow raised. I refrain from saying a word, and when he realizes I'm not about to gossip, he gets down to business. My cheekbone is not fractured as they'd feared, but it's going to hurt like crazy. He offers pain meds, and I decline, so he writes me a prescription for Ibuprofen 800 and calls it a day. Once my discharge papers are firmly in hand, I tell Natalee goodbye and waver in front of Shaw's door. Giving in to temptation, I go in and walk over to the bed. He's just as gorgeous as I remember. His skin is darker, pecked by the Florida sun. The blond hair that always made him look like the boy next door is lighter, sun bleached from days spent on the beach. His eyes are a dark stormy gray, and even though they're closed, I can picture them. His body has filled out a lot since the last time I saw him. He's become the man that the boy only hinted at. "Hey..." I turn to see Natalee come in. She's got questions in her eyes, but I shrug, not up to answering them. "How is he?" I ask instead. "In and out of consciousness, which is good, especially with the concussion. Surgery was successful, but he's not going to be on the ice anytime soon. Nasty concussion." I nod. It's what I assumed when they started talking about concussions in the ER. At least he's okay. I can go home and forget about him now. "Tinkerbell?" The hoarsely whispered word pulls my attention to pain-filled eyes. He's staring at me with an intensity that's hard to shake. But I have to. Without a word, I turn and walk out of the room.		Vam002		153	https://www.facebook.com/61552453307075/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732124	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 6:58 AM	1740993499	1745927884		2747																										discovery.site	Learn more			VIDEO	Breakthrough alert: Lemon peel for tingling!	92% have no idea!…	https://journale.site/preneuro/			5.5020497818151E+14	Caroline Reed	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481263977_950429743526838_1744010322892995476_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iV9Ur4blU4MQ7kNvgEa3UY3&_nc_oc=AdgTdd9DBw3KYxNx2Mpa3zmi9IaH813-vpIjXa0H6lgExrhQMNd0MDcH6SwPBItzzj6V3s0T3DaZsG1F5VXpsIpV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANn06szBNeCMu535LGYo4Md&oh=00_AYCkP9Ij2dkbE3jMnPzeJH1A_wfkBCbjDmOKWXn4BxgxfQ&oe=67CB2D86	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱😱 Ever wondered what's causing that relentless tingling in your hands and feet? And the worst part: how to finally ease that sharp, nagging discomfort? 🚨 The answer is simpler and more natural than you think! A groundbreaking trick is changing everything... And the best part: no expensive medications or invasive treatments required! 🍋✨ Discover the secret of the "Lemon Peel Trick" – the powerful trick that could transform your quality of life and give you the relief you’ve been searching for! ⚡ You won’t believe what happens when you try this simple technique. 👉 Click now to uncover this secret! Don’t waste any more time! Relief might be just one step away... Today!		Caroline Reed		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573801580912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731433	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 6:59 AM	1740993484	1745927985		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	$27 Neuropathy Exam. Book Now.	117+ Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	http://fb.me/			1.0844664403844E+14	Amazing Wellness	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481208060_2684123305121347_8165677069913539507_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UqC711QXDGYQ7kNvgGuzP2Q&_nc_oc=AdhXNQC2el6y5axS6RY5cmXRgIP0_8QlHzIuEwyDmdST9ie7jBJpcmEM7vDHIp7taFBctf2BM8yNlbYSfjdjN7qS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDBWVnQ2RSd9ZODTn5FutGsg0mgpeQhQ9ssH9tBShkUJA&oe=67CB2ACB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥 Struggling with pain in the hands, feet, or legs is hard. 😡 Constant or intermittent pain that just won’t go away no matter how much ibuprofen is taken might be peripheral neuropathy. Signs of neuropathy can include: -Pins and needles feeling in the feet -Tingling or burning pain -Loss of hot or cold sensation -Feet that are painful to touch -Restless legs -Difficulty sleeping because of foot pain 🌟 Our approach focuses on more than just managing symptoms; it's about addressing the underlying root causes. 🎉 27 vouchers for anyone who really needs to get care right now. Receive The Gold Standard Toronto Exam for Peripheral Neuropathy – $27 Special! Includes a Nerve Infrared Thermal Scan, Balance/Fall Assessment & Doctor's Report of Findings by Dr. Tony Williams 🎉 "Wow!! They took the time to explain all options and clearly genuinely care and look for ways to improve the quality of life.." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Click "Learn More" to claim the social media special. 🚨 Don't let neuropathy hold you back any longer – reclaim your freedom now!		Amazing Wellness		913	https://www.facebook.com/amazingwellnessnaples/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732107	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 8:51 AM	1740993498	1745934675		2747																										fb.me	Get offer			IMAGE	Pickleball Pain Slowing You Down? 🏓	Don't let knee or ankle pain keep you off the court! Get a Complete Injury Diagnostic for just $47 and play pain-free. Only 20 spots available—claim yours now! ⏳🔥	http://fb.me/			4.3859227266484E+14	Optimal Wellness Center	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482259624_1535365753798100_3688714220234782774_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PMKaLiLmiCQQ7kNvgEiWt92&_nc_oc=Adghb-ri56QnNhgLpkF3FaHBfMyJ-VDToMH0E-h7tb_G1fM_fllAVjA1OZTt4LYl_9BEkyQTUfXOTzZItDuBd7E5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYBuIncyfFKAaPt8o5pmqkvdctjN7vBk8gVsgN1JnCsRsA&oe=67CB5AC4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Pickleball Players: Don’t Let Elbow Pain Sideline You! 🎾💥 Is your elbow aching after a game? That nagging pain could be Pickleball Elbow (aka Tennis Elbow), one of the most common injuries in the sport. If left untreated, it can make every swing, grip, and daily task unbearable. 🔥 SPECIAL OFFER: Get a Complete Elbow Diagnostic for Just $47! ($150 Value) 🔥 This Total Elbow Diagnostic includes: ✅ Injury & Health History Analysis ✅ Grip Strength & Range of Motion Testing ✅ Functional Movement Assessment ✅ Advanced StemWave Therapy – Accelerate healing & recovery at the cellular level ✅ Doctor’s Personalized Report of Findings 📍 Only 20 spots available at Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale! 🏆 Join 200+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews from happy, pain-free patients! 👉 Click “Get Offer” now and get back to playing without pain! 🚀		Optimal Wellness Center		34	https://www.facebook.com/61565466728692/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731717	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 3:31 AM	1740993490	1746779467		2747																										carrentalcoach.simplero.com	Learn more			VIDEO	👉Build A Profitable Car Rental Business		https://carrentalcoach.simplero.com/funnel/21183			1.8518888466818E+14	Car Rental Coach	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481073408_596605713370188_5852910276904619346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8E9HCUoqlTYQ7kNvgFGMjM7&_nc_oc=AdgKsljhw5GHTW982so9_gY23nwT9LGbc_ycEmPx7BC-T_fJeCO3PPyziQ1kPJdxa_nJAUIzku-iTlAZUn-fqadz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYCbV0DBHnOAPdwb6zcH30Fa7532wozPAGSDdH2Ctook4g&oe=67CB5578	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Making passive income through car rental is THE most underrated business model in 2025 / for Airbnb owners. On the contrary to what most people think, you don’t need to own a fleet of cars to get started. That’s right! We’ve coached hundreds of people on how to generate consistent income through car rental with minimal investment. ✅ We can help you find the best cars in YOUR market… ✅ We can identify the best possible deals for you so you can become profitable right away… ✅ And we handle all the challenges and obstacles that took us years to learn! On average, our cars are rented for 25 days a month. Leading to substantial and effortless income generation. So are you ready to cast away doubt and launch or scale your car rental business? Click the link below to see if you qualify for personalized training: https://carrentalcoach.simplero.com/funnel/21183		Car Rental Coach		242	https://www.facebook.com/61553261200210/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731820	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 8:58 AM	1740993492	1745935119		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481341309_663436939582151_1145088029654742476_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IU9LMcutU-0Q7kNvgHJBmx5&_nc_oc=AdiSTRtxPqeCiUU2U2YiaCttExGgTWOdEL9yF29sZ1VmVZYIxoKjzWOwF-TpastHwSmgczs9XcXMKGdYpwKukWtH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYC9Ba11Bs6ZjyBscQdYBSy8SqkFxvi7Zp_8ZR2U8h8Yzw&oe=67CB5080	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731435	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 7:17 AM	1740993484	1745929073		2747																										lc.nsaturnwhite.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Tap to learn more		https://lc.nsaturnwhite.com/67b3b66f25f6954cb2a77410?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			4.6318555355571E+14	Shelly Boyd	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481467641_3871583053056038_1737332345038336497_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LRDFejSYW6IQ7kNvgFaGR0w&_nc_oc=AdgxQSLe-SfpChs0f5SG5ppZtyAUg-Svg1Tv2aPDvw1-dL6ytl8_l0uxsIKdwyi3UrJPnz3FLoQuf-L-OgtX_JaP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYAZBiQvg0CPbvJoIxkFeKJvJPWS4PTWELgkP0QtBz5zMg&oe=67CB574A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Why do some people hit 50 without discomfort while others struggle with Neuropathy problems?...		Shelly Boyd		20	https://www.facebook.com/61571697801589/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731440	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 7:28 AM	1740993484	1745929717		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			IMAGE	$49 New Patient Special!	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5.0)	http://fb.me/			2.1200065556338E+14	Elite Care Chiropractic	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480974301_934703458478141_4321979864569258892_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gyf_khxAkaMQ7kNvgFni8Wk&_nc_oc=AdhBH9GnoAHm4w85TWWqkiVZIqK1wnfydcdamZQMoCVa7SUQxV24AQBAQfwslSz28f-vS2aaV7-W5jzCQTtWGw48&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYCyrcPdGvOGYSrxWFG970py9nqqfnlVeYEjLkFnUFW-xg&oe=67CB2FFF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		⭐ 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲! ⭐ Get rid of chronic pain for $49? It’s possible. SoftWave™ Therapy is a cutting edge treatment that utilizes shockwaves to jumpstart the body’s natural healing process. It's truly LIFE CHANGING. We are running a New Patient Special that includes an Exam, Consultation and FIRST TREATMENT for only $49 (Normally $205). Conditions that have been treated successfully with SoftWave™ Therapy include: ✅ Knee Pain ✅ Shoulder Pain ✅ Back Pain ✅ Neck Pain ✅ Wrist/Hand Pain ✅ Foot/Ankle Pain ✅ Neuropathy ✅ Carpal Tunnel ✅ Ligament Damage ✅ Plantar Fasciitis ✅ Nerve Pain ✅ Sciatica ✅ Tendinitis ✅ Arthritis ✅ Joint Pain ✅ & Much More! SoftWave™ Therapy has been used in Europe for the past 10+ years with great success. It has been recently cleared by the FDA for treatment of pain and connective tissue activation in the US. 👉 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋!		Elite Care Chiropractic		1114	https://www.facebook.com/elitecarechiropractic/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732210	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 6:18 PM	1740993500	1747091926		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481779344_1818392435680742_3003528375935370647_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=__OyGR5AO1wQ7kNvgF3sAlB&_nc_oc=AdhwdADRuYtsMF_CdJmYMci5-CIC-D5hxCW0JCIuvIaVQd6c-PxRKMvXy2KFimoCUhvt0y9xrX9IYk1DFSWJ33R4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYA7W-9xUyoK-GBmHxx_ponUcmkCKTHBvyn1Fd5rycHfSA&oe=67CB37A8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731829	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 4:54 AM	1740993492	1746784467		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8637664123143E+14	DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481782321_1423957098445103_8465760043173252473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IVGTd0qYkiMQ7kNvgFOiKuQ&_nc_oc=AdhO3diCr2eUGhZ7jCpBQ6nshmxp2TUmejY8oaTCVnSz4RgnRbfmb0EUxNkpveULPVFQPeL90-X3UdB7-0_aIf-7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYAKkjjJoGuxccghUlu7EmTw2D7Z_1QxYlS66C8Ap7G_vg&oe=67CB4F78	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos		2327894	https://www.facebook.com/61565078571830/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731919	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 7:26 AM	1740993494	1749731184		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481244227_1133818425091444_7519009748218586413_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lyVOFJYuS-gQ7kNvgGTpj56&_nc_oc=AdjYn7EjXkQXk9LiNZSxnVIO-axMg5ElOlE24m3_Z7kT4qX-IcK0Bnwr-IoIQlRaIOYEWGauakrj_PUTLS0JxTOe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYCWgNFBCBvPVQXIhQ57w_hmOikO61Qkp6ChS82msyWFwg&oe=67CB39BA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732147	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 10:10 PM	1740993499	1749784236		2747																										instagram.com	Send message			VIDEO			http://instagram.com/bodybalance_nyc			2.3557209630952E+14	Massage, acupuncture & stretching	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481073826_983955210341307_8571876296444051163_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ko77D1cStT0Q7kNvgFHN8J6&_nc_oc=AdgB2HtWBq1goVTjV6KlRIrOZNpu9AXdp_6aDsFAmjBJKu5Kl1GagsI8UYaIdakRtV_oSLwUz53g6DW4mhbtA9wQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYA7O7ApKhxrrLXIMlMwI8dKF979dAJ8oDxEVAtGPUca5A&oe=67CB4E2B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hey New York! 👋 Your body deserves the best care — and Mr. Magic Hands is here to make it happen! Say N🚫 to unnecessary surgeries! If you're struggling with: ⚡️Back & neck pain ⚡️Joint or knee discomfort ⚡️Shoulder pain ⚡️Arthritis ⚡️Headaches ⚡️Nerve issues ⚡️Stiff muscles ⚡️Sports injuries Or need support after surgery, I’ve got your back — literally! My name’s Bruce Boa, better known as Mr. Magic Hands, and I’m a natural-born body healer with over 15 years of experience helping people find real, lasting relief — no surgery required. I specialize in a unique blend of healing techniques, including: ✔️ Massage Therapy ✔️ Reiki Energy Healing ✔️ Assisted Stretching ✔️ Acupuncture Every treatment plan is fully personalized to your body’s needs — because no two people are the same. My goal? To get to the root of your pain — not just cover it up. With my care, you can: ✨ Sleep through the night pain-free ✨ Move with confidence & independence ✨ Improve your overall quality of life Ready to feel like yourself again? Let’s make it happen. DM or text me at 347-871-8892 to learn more! #stretching #massage #acupuncture #reiki #reikinewyork #stretchingnewyork #massagenewyork #acupuncturenewyork #spine #arthritis #sciatica #physicaltherapy #pain		Massage, acupuncture & stretching		0	https://www.facebook.com/61556574967797/	0		INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE								View Edit Delete
2732043	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 7:46 AM	1740993497	1745930819		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	يا إلهي، هل نمت مع رئيسي؟		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16879415-fb-ar-xy35-0126-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=012440&jump=0&exdata=2F22D5A6D2BEFCB752F32C862A6CB5D1350184BD655E3FBF			3.9043577749312E+14	CHxpt-TV	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481025265_503388842545485_5012284249552851570_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=juepfRjvHdsQ7kNvgHI5cer&_nc_oc=AdjyYhalufO9ItK34zBriZ03Tlj3cX1deSWvzkm-O4RhHuv53o-kEd8_ODzQ6kmHLfVG2pfry4Atl0LMpJxvkWl0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYCqJO53G5Zba6GsoRFJfVKwrdqmM4W3k0dj4zh_kf1m-g&oe=67CB440C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		خان صديق مادلين عاطفتها، فشعرت بالانكسار واحتست الكحول حتى الثمالة. وفي تلك الليلة، وجدت نفسها في فراش نيكولاس، الذي كان يكبرها بثلاثة عشر عاما. ونتيجة لذلك، دخلا في علاقة زواج. ظنت مادلين أن زواجهما مجرد علاقة خالية من الحب، لكنها دون أن تدرك وقعت في الفخ الذي نسجه نيكولاس بحبه لها. كان ينتظر بصبر أن تبادله نفس المشاعر.		CHxpt-TV		198	https://www.facebook.com/61565612192772/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731654	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 5:03 AM	1740993489	1746784988		2747																										noveloasis.onelink.me	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907468200751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481117592_1296890808087821_5878017379866344701_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LD4L19JfsaMQ7kNvgFrHTVt&_nc_oc=AdigU1tY1l7KMbQqjKG-Vvc0-psWzcOK7J-Eq8KznpZKOBY-1jbndE14W7u9aZ2svDFvHRCNkZaQT6TUHdGTcA-6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDBQWVxdpfeDj0-2j4W0TbVvtsoXS1G2AEr8-Pc1Sz3Rg&oe=67CB4D3A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732174	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 9:38 AM	1740993500	1745937516		2747																										instagram.com	Send Message			CAROUSEL			https://www.instagram.com/			8.3676988313993E+14	Alissa Wolfe	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481072245_2443513625986078_1113391096073093647_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yFgotxjGlvAQ7kNvgHts8zM&_nc_oc=AdiPC0BRNcK-MOwbAOaFmMVKCb9caquG_30scVo0H-Hvaly0-0aK5kenEZUSitK3UJojfr2swYMLHqEOEL1NJoE-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYAx5Hvr2ES2JazrJxmhlaBLA6Pv_Wcw6OKuPkc1mXXHvQ&oe=67CB5550	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Alissa Wolfe		1092	https://www.facebook.com/paincrusader/	0		INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE								View Edit Delete
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2731500	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 10:40 AM	1740993485	1745941237		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	💡free HD streaming platform		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1051720.html?language=en&timestamp=1738995063248&channelCode=DALPF1051720&bid=41000111652&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476345444_487066364440251_7367367669458211884_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2Ndkha4qW_YQ7kNvgHuTymh&_nc_oc=Adg-ZybgXr207vIEV5dVDdDkD9TPJjIjqVVrQmKhAxpaDaZ-O8Zm5hNhq2gIHJQmA2qmSaaogXVAYtSUejhHkBSM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBuSgaiBW2Id99ZxiPhd9Z79q_ynevQhC_r72Ql5ru0HA&oe=67CB3580	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Before leaving his hometown, Leo Lowe makes a promise to his fiancée, Tina Leed, that once he becomes emperor, he will return to make her his empress. Years later, he successfully establishes a new dynasty and becomes the emperor of it, so he returns to the village disguised as an ordinary villager to fulfill his promise, not expecting to be forced to pay just to get through the entrance.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282184	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731388	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 10:44 AM	1740993483	1745941489		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480662609_1327996518397930_7297760977976075115_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PA3dO_0i7p8Q7kNvgFcHeON&_nc_oc=AdgqdokqaEWbyGvrguD3Dco_Zdve_KHIlJ6VQiUUVrw_-Lk-qZhx1cNkuEIMQdp6LCZ4mAkV-TKQ92_paRhsDipJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAqwKavD6NSLTozOTXUIJ94c8vZ_NCbcMbHLfkDziRfAw&oe=67CB4293	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731527	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 3:29 PM	1740993486	1745958562		2747																										arialief.com	Learn more			VIDEO	This is how you fix neuropathy pain in a week		https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=CQ8hglku6O			4.2588851395109E+14	Juliano Novaes	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481198926_1473605586942029_5342577836278338489_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_ADYsqOZD6EQ7kNvgE_eaFz&_nc_oc=AdjAkmOpQbylpALlDiatXK_K-elFio3NChdVrxaWnnRqQn_gU_AvAz6Y9nKDUPo9zb_fad0tgt1pmXIfx5V_gMIP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYB7IJ3E18NHMEPNMbtkt-hvxqo9hWxaxB-_1JQmE5gRHA&oe=67CB26AE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		This is how you fix neuropathy pain in a week		Juliano Novaes		7	https://www.facebook.com/61569140743195/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731417	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 2:57 PM	1740993483	1745956678		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E10265C5E45955B3640515249BDC95F362			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481119885_1387923745707958_222002630459992898_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PpQYfqJABJgQ7kNvgEu9H7A&_nc_oc=AdhoD1iW7dPK3yBU6U8OrvFAJVA4GRvUh17H0KVJ5JAbMRei5yBqdvJZsTbElTPsVTfNTXHK8P3ecwFTv61DR0nj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDu3zfd4vdUYIuDkBt1sv3AvodhEe7yUGiTb3BFzWMyTw&oe=67CB2F02	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731468	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 10:56 AM	1740993484	1745942192		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480866999_1740711456518040_1441835702488659066_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sKLN6TrP6QcQ7kNvgGKk6Sz&_nc_oc=AdhTzVQ2FgUeY4eKWfvClnXr0987gjsmJn06BtCtVPipoUTeIziFt4sI-DHjVB_Nts8XoTawYbP9gGXTDOa8cwjn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBzg-i2gxMvR3UqYtDDv1BTPe2wTuQXoJmMj-2lHgcdxA&oe=67CB5C2E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731451	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 11:06 AM	1740993484	1745942818		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/hyperresilient			3.5654467422022E+14	hyperresilient	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/460681904_797102262376805_1181179633017860395_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=50lgRGTJdH0Q7kNvgHdLPrG&_nc_oc=AdhsHs7ElZ0NEjlq9s8aEDN46dzmkHMrDuXp4-8adWna6CanCcIdyMGVegWHip_W9WiX4aJEFcwMzsgXyRX3SFlg&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYDcGSkOLnQMtN28gi3sSVMdGippD1z73n5OEtfL7ox2Mg&oe=67CB341C	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0				hyperresilient		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/hyperresilient	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731856	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 9:54 AM	1740993493	1746024863		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			IMAGE			http://instagram.com/precisioncarephysio.clovis			4.8316293821362E+14	precisioncarephysio.clovis	https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-19/469190496_497892293273547_6007746249673861555_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s206x206_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=525117&_nc_ohc=avVCaWFSZYMQ7kNvgGoi3yT&_nc_oc=AdhG3T2vbY-qUwAg_wuEuw2LAk-3odDw9A3l87ivdEol_6n5YPWNMZOuz0GEwSgKokkmU74EjQTu5GxQ4FewJ8BL&_nc_zt=24&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com&oh=00_AYAXg7kFCHC7oZSC2n9tuV6uBy5sef3sON7ERjZbnJqkAg&oe=67CB4FDF	IG_ADS_IDENTITY	1					0		67% of people post-COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms that can be reversed. Post-COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and low libido have shown causation by Vagus Nerve dysfunction My non-invasive Vagus Nerve Release has transformed the livelihood of nearly 100 people, achieving an impressive 97% success rate This entirely hands-on, 🚫medication approach is safe, effective, and targets the root cause of your symptoms Contact me, David Quenzer, to claim 1 of 12 free root-cause evaluations, where you’ll uncover the underlying issue behind your symptoms You’re free to use this insight however you choose—share it with your physician, loved ones, or start your healing journey with me immediately. Relief could begin in just 75 minutes Curious? I’d love to hear from you. DM me if you or someone you know needs help overcoming post-COVID-19 syndrome.		precisioncarephysio.clovis		0	https://www.instagram.com/_u/precisioncarephysio.clovis	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732166	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 1:40 AM	1740993500	1745995244		2747																										afiliado.neuropathicpainneveragain.info	Learn more			VIDEO	Eat this 1 vitamin for immediae sciatic nerve relief 👉		https://afiliado.neuropathicpainneveragain.info/45uyb5lsy3/			5.7041206281769E+14	No Pain	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482026049_9025447314251386_8997224099131793632_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gvD9ZOSj-n4Q7kNvgGVqum8&_nc_oc=AdgiUl2io3O8u3m0-5gRpwgKpMaL9bNTNspV4_xHge9ACn2bRjMl-VKytIVBOf9C2wJPzTj6s7YdFeaCk7rCN0LT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOEDwEZaoC-Lyvv64eUHmxS&oh=00_AYCeMG9HSaIroNO523bMQakvpa4Ia8k0UeM3F2V3wSmcdA&oe=67CB52B3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤'𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞! 😍😍"		No Pain		0	https://www.facebook.com/61572514981350/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731437	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 9:13 AM	1740993484	1749651190		2747																										fb.me	Get offer			IMAGE	Get Back to Playing Pickleball Without Hesitation! 🏓	Don't let elbow pain keep you off the court! Get a Complete Injury Diagnostic for just $47 and play pain-free. Only 20 spots available—claim yours now! ⏳🔥	http://fb.me/			4.3859227266484E+14	Optimal Wellness Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481904300_608165165355097_4981739701913515815_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AUNQ9sHhOmQQ7kNvgF5EzLl&_nc_oc=AdjFnKx8dDTeg56LzXpwiYw5QmOUTiVVh2u5uxGFu7dlc0ZrvImWfV4hkmmrkleyJPN3FszGGn5b9etMfQoS9P_L&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYBWNZuG8YeI1YQdo1owaDriw4SvG9X3VUgwIh_55y6vAA&oe=67CB3EE0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Pickleball Players: Play Without Hesitation! 🎾💪 Ever had to pull back on a swing because of that sharp elbow pain? Maybe your grip feels weaker, or you're avoiding power shots altogether. That nagging pain isn’t just annoying—it’s stealing your confidence on the court. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with it. 🔥 SPECIAL OFFER: Get a Complete Elbow Diagnostic for Just $47! ($150 Value) 🔥 We’ve helped thousands of athletes get back in the game with total confidence—even after trying physical therapy, cortisone shots, or other treatments that didn’t work. ✅ Injury & Health History Analysis ✅ Grip Strength & Range of Motion Testing ✅ Functional Movement Assessment ✅ Advanced StemWave Therapy – Speeds up healing & recovery ✅ Doctor’s Personalized Report of Findings 📍 Only 20 spots available at Optimal Wellness Center in Midvale! 🏆 Join 200+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews from happy, pain-free players! 💬 "I felt a huge difference after just one session. No downtime and no more hesitation in my swing!" - Sarah L. 💬 "I was ready to give up on pickleball because of my elbow pain. After treatment here, I'm back playing pain-free!" - Mike R. 🚀 Don’t let pain slow you down—click ‘Get Offer’ now before spots run out!		Optimal Wellness Center		34	https://www.facebook.com/61565466728692/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731865	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 9:29 AM	1740993493	1746800941		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481468952_988006502744841_9059434170451988209_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HhwobLjHeQ0Q7kNvgHjhmr5&_nc_oc=AdgR0OH0uakCPku4D6NYYp_4XsxxpEBR1WAt05ErEL58X3o9a9n0S6nyYgxkfjRnQF5WVL6JoK7Q5DySxsDVceZW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYBDHaROv_I3FW8oJHcB4mXBwJf6jkXGuTLLxWR2SeTKyw&oe=67CB5CCF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731723	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 7:28 AM	1740993490	1746793693		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481185752_665067499525746_4734713500021561661_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D0V52yMAH-oQ7kNvgHfhmWc&_nc_oc=Adjs-DssR5y0BTajr3rUYKa5KUYZxfErfIZJtGZ45DT9o7xO_0M2AMQQ-iE16lo4BnoLvmwMqTodRrJmnb8NsQ15&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYBtOYB5oqiVehu35ZLbv_9gW4xagbnEyBkKaohgr5exuQ&oe=67CB500F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731871	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 7:32 AM	1740993493	1746793934		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480920112_1173560700876637_8373327425781369005_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nXfm2LMG5fMQ7kNvgHp9GK6&_nc_oc=AdhSgpID9qGOFTr87NvqXQSBiJzdSznRpGrLeZFUDWrR-Y1-PFXOSbtkpiALyGUJhjA8zP8x2rSSVHRg0IDhKWVj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYCD4xX2rylhZ82g3AS-qODGAqZB3PsBnXhUDe_YU7OOxw&oe=67CB366C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732254	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 10:29 AM	1740993501	1749742164		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman.		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846824%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481119365_1710649166204815_3879803340501581236_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GvyycXXy-HgQ7kNvgE7vdtj&_nc_oc=Adh9LKKDO7wPJ6c9oWOa6LhheLMjKlQ0XpfuqsriOru-g8GNJCrK0ZnBDBCSvp1-SOhhpVkQ6FToNWiH9RSFEWiB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AZ4MQjKNB3wXiPM7MzpjH24&oh=00_AYBe_dC16e2fC8EafZK8cmaTph8xFsmR4nUeReVOuuUP7w&oe=67CB2D3B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
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2731409	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 12:44 PM	1740993483	1745948695		2747																										infiniteage.com	Learn More			DCO	I Quit Dangerous Meds - Here's How 👉	100% Money-Back Guarantee	https://infiniteage.com/pages/bldprsr-a			1.0989629381594E+14	Infinite Age	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472144751_525676167297719_4974808326316182715_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WSMFX_GHJIkQ7kNvgFnuyuS&_nc_oc=Adg4bHFvFLDGSJN0bX3ZdJrF90ToiAFr3GTRTtIhb83d4CycTnYnIUSFwV67G1FfYKGs4xEnNcKFnk-lzHs6DB2q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDtBVabut-t-EE-qz5rM7apN60TIkYf_NqIRq_Ru91lww&oe=67CB465F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I stopped trusting meds not made for us (Black People) and found natural healing. Learn how you can do it too👇🏾		Infinite Age		45853	https://www.facebook.com/infiniteage/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731649	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 8:02 AM	1740993488	1746795749		2747																										noveloasis.onelink.me	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217907468200751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481039229_1799778557536046_1747314039405697627_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=e7xn-zWqF8QQ7kNvgGIv35p&_nc_oc=Adh4hznwYcaAm6DsU8KfpyTuE6LwGte_HAUb9s-8D0N2sNN-rQ5c7Cu8aknZwS8yk3ET2NOUdIElNIrN25DIA_-e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYC1oAmTL75uNcC4SeSd1Vc5g9wTWujiQAj_vZhqADFgCQ&oe=67CB2C3F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731387	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 1:05 PM	1740993483	1745949921		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480982317_3984050145211908_3906047841659180913_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FX412lxqVwIQ7kNvgF32qYv&_nc_oc=AdiQgHi67k6xXTYTb1xcqRXkPnQBnfDnpmHCn7Tuu7pFXWG7s35W4CPTjPEiCBgIKFTdc9QId1BM7bMs0tR9TQ7Y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCRwDTDPUBnLmZ2mR_E4VVAnt2Okl3Y7LMhXulnBUHjDA&oe=67CB5CE0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731801	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 9:21 AM	1740993492	1749738087		2747																										greatnerves.club	Learn more			VIDEO	I Beat Neuropathy in 15 Seconds—Here’s How...		https://lp.greatnerves.club/67b8a8d05d0a44eda9be0a30?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.5740493745756E+14	Debbie Taylor	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481244763_9334421296617182_2013267243016208453_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=75MKmZHglkYQ7kNvgHUrWc6&_nc_oc=AdjdgxbaHaL8nb6Yj1CYikX_iyM70JQX4CITCjLZFvD4X6q5bm34c8kgOULXY641r2U_Q0LxbytNbUKB4HbCgbf0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYDRiegX58GkTtFbI5opzsaWbwB5V397AKLQC91hHwtBMA&oe=67CB4260	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Every night, I’d lie awake, feet burning like they were on fire… no position was comfortable, and painkillers barely touched it... It started with tingling—like pins and needles that wouldn’t go away. Then, the burning, the stabbing pains, the numbness… and the fear that it was only getting worse. I thought I was out of options. But then, I found out something shocking—new research shows nerve pain isn’t just about damaged nerves. It’s actually caused by a hidden ‘nerve choke’ blocking blood flow and nutrients from reaching the nerves. A doctor in Japan discovered a 15-second method to release this choke and restore normal nerve function. I figured, what do I have to lose? Within days, I noticed the burning wasn’t as intense. The stabbing pains faded. And for the first time in years, I actually woke up feeling rested. If you’re suffering from nerve pain, don’t wait. Tap below to take a quick quiz and see if this could help you too.		Debbie Taylor		241	https://www.facebook.com/61553076994345/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732298	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 8:15 AM	1740993502	1746796542		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Vai subito agli episodi completi ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=48350&language=it&timestamp=1738059602860&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481273183_2327006397671131_4532941843634321164_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Cwr0sgNs-toQ7kNvgEIot3t&_nc_oc=AdgqfoKwbxMIKsbJrOYyupu-1FuGyjH7kijwd5lLshuiOhqoqu0uTuXT_6ZwNzi-YhvRQaLI8hvy7oJ2xoQwVmHl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCP3Mmf2J2FWHGn11ZKbtE5eG14TRvkhklLLBtBgFCohA&oe=67CB5104	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Caldo, così caldo.🔞 🔥Migliaia di brevi drama vengono aggiornati continuamente...... Giovane padrone, la signora ha firmato un accordo di divorzio ed è volata all'estero...... 👇Scarica ShortMax per guardare altre serie🎬		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731857	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 1:51 PM	1740993493	1745952675		2747																										fb.me	Sign up			IMAGE	💗 Fix Your Nervous System w/ $49 VIP Package		http://fb.me/			1.0674600540533E+14	100% Chiropractic Lexington, KY	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481712488_472799282577677_5437192915104126152_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Tj-JaUPN15cQ7kNvgHtzkM7&_nc_oc=AdgWk4bNDfoI2ELq5M0NPDBmAdkyot8Jvk8fClh6D4BgjB5zOrMkdHexFHRuVmP8cmhFa6UsecCZe51Q0xxRJ2Yu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYDcrp7eSRYn-wFhdn3iY7_hC6GsspQkfVaHSP7HvgRQdQ&oe=67CB3E4A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱 “Oh no! Another chiropractor ad!” Seriously, though… if you got to see what I see every day, you would be obsessed with getting more people free from pain, too. Try the VIP Package… it may change your life! Here’s what you get: ✅ 𝟏-𝐨𝐧-𝟏 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ✅ 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐗-𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬 ✅ 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 ✅ 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝟑𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧 ✅ 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 ✅ 𝟑𝟎-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 ✅ and 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 💡 BONUS: The Nervous System Reset Challenge! All for just $49. I look forward to meeting you soon! - Dr. Jonna		100% Chiropractic Lexington, KY		352	https://www.facebook.com/100083294711233/	0		SIGN_UP								View Edit Delete
2731907	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 9:01 AM	1740993494	1746799319		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 6 Books For 50% Off!	"The BEST sports romance series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-sports-bundle-by-piper-lawson			5.6789754640055E+14	Piper Lawson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481703501_487853591048239_2355126401772912888_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CVX2UqGTFxgQ7kNvgFgeeMF&_nc_oc=AdiJBCB5YSkNOBUm--jv11dK5UEFGy9nJbENIMWX4IcTYT7vj9TNrcQwliYa4N4y98tU_1h7GZ1hsTxcl2QqYFbV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYBkhK7NdUeUkPtiZcJAA5mcuPiA2WpiYcdbu6FvaaNFbg&oe=67CB5C1D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I kiss him the way I want to, not the way I think I should. I reach up to thread my fingers through his hair and tug. When I exhale a trembling breath, his lips part. I change the angle and let out a little sigh that’s lost in his mouth before forcing myself to pull back. Clay’s half-lowered lids brush my cheeks. “What was that?” he murmurs. My heart hammers in my chest. I can’t meet his eyes. “I wanted to know what it would feel like if you kissed me.” He curses. I start to reach for my seatbelt, but his arms are a cage. He grabs my chin and forces my gaze up. His eyes are glittering gems in the dark. “That wasn’t it.” Before I can react, his mouth slams down on mine. He’s as rough as I was gentle. His lips and tongue wreak havoc with my mouth, exploring every inch of me. My pulse skyrockets as he tugs my earlobe between his teeth. My body throbs, every nerve ending coming alive under his touch. I can’t breathe. I don’t want to. I need more of this, of him. If he’s trying to scare me away, it’s not working. He strokes down my sides, one huge hand cupping my breast. My body swells, my nipples hardening and begging for his touch. I arch toward him, my hand slipping beneath his shirt to land on smooth, muscled abs. Clay groans his approval low in his throat, sending a delicious thrill coursing through me. His thumb presses against my hip. I reach around his waist, imagine the dark tattooed lines writhing beneath my — Click. The next second, his warmth is gone, and so is my seatbelt. He’s back on his side of the car, and the space between us is a chasm. “Don’t pout. I’m selfish enough to give you what you think you want.”		Piper Lawson		18	https://www.facebook.com/61572225267893/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731691	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 9:53 AM	1740993489	1749740014		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482008363_1333539187769014_2766061113436658057_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D_7FixgNK9AQ7kNvgEVMHvq&_nc_oc=AdjDtffgwuc7c3ejZ9spzEk4CwFMu8tu3Tl7nTJiEDkTrWNSM7he7S44eq1ZK3cl_YyiI1-gDZ5f4m8ib-P-ZP17&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYB-77PGt2gPCgAJJ3JzgGp-d_-whaSra8bl84JiC5ssQA&oe=67CB59C2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731501	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 3:50 PM	1740993485	1745959802		2747																										heavenlytouchpt.smg-clients.com	Get offer			IMAGE	FREE NEUROPATHY CONSULTATION	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	https://heavenlytouchpt.smg-clients.com/optin-page-1071			3.8508309134928E+14	Heavenly Touch Physical Therapy PLLC	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481069236_1329155318416291_8291608009925696969_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F3ZHISAyLsAQ7kNvgF7kGXK&_nc_oc=AdiPooDYWcsKrZjJXxLfA25w_pPcGtK6surBS92tUX10IIXKyBWFTXV11cfcVMLsEK6yzfoAjo6UbJxHHmx2qDc5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYA7sfZwL-7LqbJYnE2_J9Jecs-qcZmOGjXKML7C6iaLpw&oe=67CB5229	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🛑 END YOUR DIABETIC-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY! Struggling with Neuropathy? We Can Help! Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands and feet after chemotherapy? These symptoms are signs of diabetic and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) caused by decreased blood flow and nerve damage. At Heavenly Touch Physical Therapy, Dr. Sharonda Jenkins, PT, DPT, specializes in helping patients regain sensation, strength, and mobility through an advanced Neuropathy Program designed to: ✅ Improve circulation to nourish damaged nerves ✅ Reduce pain and tingling with cutting-edge treatments ✅ Restore function so you can move with confidence. Our Patients USED to Suffer from… 💊Numbness and tingling in their hands and feet 💊Pins and needles in their hands and feet 💊Sensitivity to touch 💊Burning and constant, “foot falling asleep” feeling 💊Trouble walking 💊Inability to stand for prolonged periods of time with periodic falling 💡 We offer a FREE in-person Neuropathy Consultation to assess your condition and explore a personalized treatment plan Click Here to Schedule: https://heavenlytouchpt.smg-clients.com/optin-page-1071 📞Call 206-486-0529 📞 or Click “Get Offer” to schedule a FREE life-changing Neuropathy Pain Relief Session!!! (Normally $250). 📍10015 Lake City Way NE, Unit #424 Seattle, WA 98125		Heavenly Touch Physical Therapy PLLC		285	https://www.facebook.com/61562606961306/	0		GET_OFFER_VIEW								View Edit Delete
2731469	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 3:56 PM	1740993485	1745960219		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482217220_633465649548607_1877792953198959424_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HZBxuupJ4oQQ7kNvgF0BIFz&_nc_oc=AdifOv0-F7zho8KAE_ohQ9gRgrDG1WZicWQdoVk3Je75Ep8B5IjjZdC5_G_pWu_uenmzvlPTTS1xNdClx-dYm_E3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYDnLoh26ubXvtp7efDQxHKjYtZdb7bHId6Rv2h0tzbQ2Q&oe=67CB387D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732315	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 10:44 AM	1740993502	1749743096		2747																										southroundrock.painreliefvoucher.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Claim Your $49 New Patient Special ➡️	Offer Expires In 14 Days!	https://www.southroundrock.painreliefvoucher.com/survey			4.0502592936292E+14	HealthSource Chiropractic of South Round Rock	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481325664_932710768945714_5841962092976682842_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3lC-nKYBvSYQ7kNvgGm9jwD&_nc_oc=AdiSvPCcF2vJGRn11JOnN9Eoa-CJcKpZBZkWgiZazqwc4RI3wLYJeuvd0qRFpFG9yWsCld-GpZdlf_nwzABoeFSr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYAk8nd_qZYx_uiXz55M0i_Z0UoU7XfMnexRqM4VKJAooA&oe=67CB5270	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		𝙃𝙚𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨 ‼️ 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨 👇👇 We Are Offering A $49 New Patient Special This Month Only To Promote Health & Wellness! ($189 Value) We're Looking For 27 Men & Women Who Want to Live a Pain-Free Life & Get Back to Doing What They Love! Click the "Learn More" button to see if you qualify… *Valid for new patients only at participating locations and does not apply to federal beneficiaries and ACN members. 📍: 115 Sundance Parkway Suite 505 | Round Rock | TX 78681		HealthSource Chiropractic of South Round Rock		12	https://www.facebook.com/HealthSourceChiropracticSouthRoundRock/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731522	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 4:31 PM	1740993486	1745962291		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731803	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 10:19 AM	1740993492	1746803978		2747																										greatnerves.club	Learn more			VIDEO	No more Neuropathic foot pain...		https://lp.greatnerves.club/67b8a8d05d0a44eda9be0a30?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.5740493745756E+14	Debbie Taylor	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481448237_501206846111633_5824924459431128179_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cerGZbHo2rIQ7kNvgFyky-z&_nc_oc=AdjQR93l1SD3-AOfptuqWUc22gjOD5AUrj_GRbNaSHXSHH9Y3A_saLiz7TnguAGrhpbcvE8N8KTIW4zfxbs4OT-z&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYCf-8WZKbAE8xtJXjjQbcZyUatNLll1o13SODaGpxoHXA&oe=67CB4D0B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Here’s why I threw my neuropathy meds in the trash… After years of constant numbness, burning pains and pins and needles in my feet and my hands… My Doctor prescribed me pretty much every med out there and all they did was make me tired and drowsy! I was so fed up… Fed up of the tingling pain… Fed up of the expensive meds… Fed up of constantly feeling down! And that’s when my husband stumbled across a video he saw in his feed which revealed the root cause of nerve pain… And how the meds I was taking can actually make the burning and tingling worse… not to mention the terrible side effects?! I sat in shock as I watched the short video taking it all in… and then to my sheer delight, the video revealed a 15 second method which erased burning and tingling in just a few days… without any need for meds! So, I wasted no time in trying this 15-second method… Me and my husband went down to the local store and grabbed what we needed… Literally minutes after doing this method, I instantly noticed a difference… it was so weird… and for the first time in years, I managed to get a good nights sleep without waking up in pain! I carried on using the method for the next 7 days, and sure enough the burning and tingling reduced more and more until day 8 when I had no burning or tingling whatsoever… the first full day of no pain in as long as I can remember! And now 3 months on, I haven’t experienced any pains at all and I now tell everyone I know who suffers from the same about this 15-second method… in fact I’ve linked to the very same video I watched a few months back below… Tap now and prepare to be amazed!		Debbie Taylor		241	https://www.facebook.com/61553076994345/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731554	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 12:54 PM	1740993486	1749750855		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480779209_937338881512520_4157483033639512824_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XA-lXpv1R-MQ7kNvgGxu4zn&_nc_oc=AdilmH0-Bl0jqgqD3wtTdCZdUHR0nDjHt1Mt6Q7LBXzrLpbFwUTMFq5wA0rkBmDSqjB-J_eu0QAQHlPivpSyySu_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYCD06-S7ogmZLGtc-ouTTSyCcB0wf2uEq7FpG_BLg-P1g&oe=67CB487C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731737	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 1:13 PM	1740993490	1749752004		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481063674_1143951350266032_2725562483075333155_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LFCiov2zP6QQ7kNvgHN1cuF&_nc_oc=Adg6xw5tVa94dGzkiFIwS-WAyryHDkk0BujJ9D9eZTYzSUgqD7ZcSI5gKnpyEwxTZETYQFhNnoX_GjF2gZaTSGs2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYD1TCVa9edj_KpL9JoyvTq2MctY7DBhuDB0KkBCyCuEaQ&oe=67CB330C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731799	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 12:34 PM	1740993492	1746812091		2747																														IMAGE						6.8648146137244E+14	Natural Shortcuts To Better Health	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481246438_706815518440309_5292336660496525582_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cCsUu_knXtcQ7kNvgEdtlvE&_nc_oc=AdhRebbp6xTCB6jtW3QuBX7gJKQWfhAm7ZdXBJSi_Xwz-nkzx4ab2OM2ASLRgD-ys27XAoNaCys4_JBIGtHGbQhu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYBTwDM-DZMKK6pOM83D2N_I9vcy8MdD1voEbZUH3XPgcg&oe=67CB5562	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Stiffness is life winding down: Aging is not so much about growing older, it's a process of everything seizing up. Virtually every single disease and dysfunction is a kind of hardening - a rigid artery, a calcified joint, a frozen nerve, a brain locked in its own grip. As well, blood gets thick, tissues tighten, bones dry out, muscles lose elasticity. Blood vessels lose their flexibility. Fibrosis is one of the first manifestations of developing cancer. So when your body gets stiff, it's not a trivial matter; it's the petrification of your tissues. But why does this happen? If your mitochondria are starved for light and structured water, then the body starts to dry up and wilt. What's left behind are calcium deposits. Think of a river that loses its flow; as the waters recede, they leave behind mineral remnants. Likewise, dry/stagnant tissues accumulate calcium as a containment strategy in response to dehydration, to stabilize the tissues. This is a system-wide protection strategy that goes on in your body in the absence of living, structured water. Our mitochondria are structured water generators. This happens because mitochondria are light-sensitive and absorb sunlight (red light in particular) and ooze out structured water, which can be thought of as liquid intelligence. Structured water stores energy and hydrates at a deeper level, preventing hardening of the tissues. But this is why sunlight is so important; Vitamin D is a hormone that mobilizes calcium; it moves it out of your muscles and soft tissues, then directs it to your bones, where it's actually needed. Add magnesium and K2 and you've got a complete calcium translocation mechanism. To de-fossilize yourself. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 - works synergistically with structured water, as its positive charge binds to mitochondria to helps facilitate electron flow, which maximizes function. When hydrated with structured water, magnesium supports efficient nerve signaling, muscle function, and overall vitality. Magnesium also controls B1 vitamin utilization and enables the conversion of vitamin D into the active form; you simply cant make cellular energy without magnesium. 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝟐 - activates proteins that direct calcium to bones and teeth, preventing accumulation in soft tissues like arteries and joints and other unwanted areas. 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 - You could also add alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, a good methylated B vitamin complex. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 j𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐞 - I'd also add green plants and juices to provide chlorophyl, which alkalizes the tissues through their structured water. In a way, chlorophyll is a good biological counterbalance to calcification; they both alkalize the tissues, but chlorophyll does it without hardening the body or gumming up the system. Where calcium offers structure and stability, chlorophyll promotes flexibility and energy flow. I say calcified tissues are just light-starved. God put that big yellow ball in the sky for a good reason. Light was the first nutrient - created before both oxygen and food. Light is the medium through which information originates and flows. Light loosens and unfolds our tissues. We weren't designed to stay indoors all day - our biology requires sunlight to avoid biological chaos. Without it, we harden, our tissues calcify, and life begins to fossilize. Scientists claim that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. I disagree. Because it assumes that energy is reduced to just physical molecules, which is an inherently materialistic, reductionist viewpoint. I say mitochondria are just one part of a larger energy system; they absorb light, structure water and generate electromagnetic flow that maximizes cellular function. Without these, mitochondria alone is meaningless. Mitochondria is just a token of the larger energetic system; they need a battery, just like a cell phone does. And that battery is charged by the interplay of light, water and movement. So what if the solution to calcification-related chronic disease isn't found in a pricey little pill, gene therapy or in an invasive procedure, but rather in something as simple and profound as spending time each day under the sun (preferably with your bare feet on the ground) which will hydrate your tissues and help your electrons flow through your mitochondria better.		Natural Shortcuts To Better Health		20936	https://www.facebook.com/NaturalShortcuts/	0										View Edit Delete
2731445	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 11:36 AM	1740993484	1746808598		2747																										www.BetaBlox.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Lessons We Learned from Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (S15E8)		http://www.BetaBlox.com/casting			1.4130661929396E+14	BetaBlox	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217038_920604356617502_647605148126741204_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WBJpgZtMITwQ7kNvgEzbOzC&_nc_oc=AdhIHO6n-_0RAO61_h2UoUfC0o1V7p-GQahD-WlzJGQQfhl2kesqbXEv4GghrjexkkiIZXKvkHGcK9tkv0yaGbh7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDRcYXWzSUnpUU2uwPLiW7Xi4VhpEEpFofZrWBFc1kbCg&oe=67CB35C0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Lessons We Learned from Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (S15E8) The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived. The final Pod winners are announced, and they go fiercely into the ultimate Blox-Off challenge, a nerve-shredding pop quiz that breaks down why our copywriting checklist is a non-negotiable for success. With that, the stage is set for the big reveal. We crown the Most Investable, the Most Valuable, the runners-up, and the ultimate winners of The Blox! Trust me, you don’t want to miss these electric, game-changing final moments of an absolutely legendary season. And just to recap, here’s what we learned this season: Key Insights From This Season’s Episodes: What role does social proof, such as reviews and testimonials, play in reducing resistance from potential customers? How can aligning every customer touchpoint with their needs enhance retention and drive long-term growth? How do you determine which keywords to bid on to attract high-intent searchers in a competitive auction-based system? How can you evaluate whether your current tech stack aligns with your business goals and supports scalability? What are the key components of effective SEO, and how can you leverage them to improve organic visibility over time? How can you craft copy that resonates with your audience while guiding them through the buyer’s journey? In what ways can design amplify the impact of your messaging and build trust with your audience? - - - Follow us here on FB to watch us drop the rest of the episodes weekly. Or download our free mobile app to binge watch it immediately (plus a slew of other educational videos). iPhone App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-blox/id1598009779 Or, read the blog about this topic and the analysis of the episode here: https://www.betablox.com/episode/lessons-we-learned-from-entrepreneurial-bootcamp-s15e8 📣🚨We're also OFFICIALLY CASTING for future seasons of The Blox. So if you're interested in joining our game and taking your business to the next level, apply for free at www.BetaBlox.com/casting		BetaBlox		20496	https://www.facebook.com/BetaBlox/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731444	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 11:46 AM	1740993484	1746809167		2747																										fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Tap Learn More		https://fl.lf.thepapertomorrow.com/67ba1a1635e0d329dec7f1d0?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			3.6089386044372E+14	Smart Daily Decisions	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482021278_2010647939412431_4585913696431974189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DHV-Z1HFI4kQ7kNvgG7TKIz&_nc_oc=Adh6y6TvOL6XzmjOHxJ3vjK7dCBRY-XwITkFXV9VnPM9JhkdELhIhofejLi5vbXgUCrsmWpKpXbGebXEwbEzcg0g&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYBcSvzhb0ujCA_Bw0Mm8AB2jZcBOImjm55FZDQseKTq2g&oe=67CB4009	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Did you know that neuropathy pain has nothing to do with peripheral nerve wear or localized neurological problems? The true cause of neuropathy pain is a deficiency in a specific protein. A recent study showed that people over 60, despite having peripheral nerve wear, experience no symptoms of neuropathy pain thanks to having high levels of this protein in their body. While others who suffer from severe and limiting pain have very low levels of it. This deficiency triggers a severe inflammatory response in your body which ends up attacking your peripheral nerves. This leads to that numbness, weakness, tingling and pain in the arms, hands, legs and feet. If you're feeling any of these symptoms, it's possible that your levels of this protein are low... But here's the good news. There is a quick test that anyone can do at home in 3 minutes to find out if their levels of this protein are low... Click the button below to take the free test today.		Smart Daily Decisions		54	https://www.facebook.com/61561838588847/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731870	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 1:44 PM	1740993493	1746816271		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480740233_1195457698818520_3092855019184483671_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_QNYMZZohNcQ7kNvgHLsLsy&_nc_oc=Adhq8Pjt4ZLkaXwloV3gjW6Y-3TQX2WYGFlfc6ncEGK3a3y7JCKV0jeqbC7JqMaUkSHn3vBE9eJGl-YmlpWdBCNO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYDNKFWfpjkvCKAn6De36NiT4qD8_3SzJiYMHb8yx6Rixg&oe=67CB2E13	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731570	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 1:24 PM	1740993487	1749752697		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481258981_622729477383225_2563206017566673510_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pHJ3azt2PWcQ7kNvgHWz3MK&_nc_oc=Adh-psIj1mptoePqCP_z_T-7lZMezxwXwgVZeVYNlw7SSskUriP7_20eD5ob0zxeCIkNNCmoIF6uhkusStrnvxUU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYCCfKwR0iJIk9EtbqIDc4N2_CUdJ8p5MFHuk1Spzu5Jrw&oe=67CB3D70	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731837	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 1:52 PM	1740993492	1746816766		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			VIDEO	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482271080_1633809200605921_6395254763619889035_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2dBoqL1hr18Q7kNvgFqx4Uv&_nc_oc=AdhtRf1D7tgXn2fV4zoKknfxfX9cIxfU3BHTNbSHuMMFUSVJL8aqkGk81TvyHRxGDkSY87ZdKp7da2m_olD3B69o&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYBvOq_VBL4XtBkhmL2qTaAs0M_KVctrLnfJGqg8WZLWmw&oe=67CB4ACE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731869	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 6:15 PM	1740993493	1746832523		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481203940_4076696925900577_3517131231606172011_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mQOU8ykHO7AQ7kNvgHJCACg&_nc_oc=AdhfiGrKahoZ4dM-n8FYniPZGy22QjVKmPkpqq0AbI6ABB8MfRsuqBRlEKcfA6HPVx-FczQO5ZvCzNVKQFATp9Ae&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYD0axu6-ILcqNOs3YZhcfuitkbVk0Co1gu87AnEKC20DQ&oe=67CB4E11	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731864	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 2:52 PM	1740993493	1746820336		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481060283_2669171800139185_2524092119358884036_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lrjl4GS1GgkQ7kNvgHVm7mb&_nc_oc=AdjVjSKKLWb0WvxBiCatsnEnz_uGBwa0iSvevp09hwjykhR2p47G7tIP8HqB8POO0O1vlseqAHLz3ou3Qo2KPIoh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYBU-7hZItzPQ6T84HN1qhvs0po4i0rnJ3VwdyPgKJ2v1A&oe=67CB2840	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731609	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 4:32 PM	1740993488	1746826324		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059453.html?language=en&timestamp=1740754137434&channelCode=DLLPF1059453&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265202_491834277289722_5178031296243063139_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gbpzeec-0tcQ7kNvgEE7AXQ&_nc_oc=AdhhbHO9a2gRUETrqOVsTukE9DMvvXPfLDttqVCbQRQVps3j-BV8fTQwwMmgVpWPEJuJKz3KMuIT6a7JgclHu6ER&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYAMAta3vMAYiq_M7ONCRIot9MON6AyhYB3y8eBxD11ECw&oe=67CB2823	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731834	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 4:48 PM	1740993492	1746827313		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481058285_668584175523835_886755497829365479_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6XzS9MQHK5YQ7kNvgESNns8&_nc_oc=AdgQeBM6kFtbv86RgLloWSKRyxLk5gTphyK9F2R0uRGu0zlX98K3EHuo0q9EpmsX4N5Q-_WQ9W2uZCdMetcbsHDm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYA8vmzLNAZ_06im1USHv8KqvCtBRe9EmnlPfnIz9jEJlA&oe=67CB26B0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		ReelShort		1247730	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731830	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 5:22 PM	1740993492	1746829363		2747																										image.noveltells.net	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	For seven years, I've been in a secret relationship with Castro Harrison, my brother's best friend. Just as I was hoping he'd propose, I tracked his location to a private lounge at an upscale restaurant, where I found they were joking about me.	https://image.noveltells.net/landing-page/h5-1290.html?id=1290&yy_appname=Favoread&badid={{ad.id}}			1.0715619868955E+14	FavoRead	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481213705_962078815902512_4675377358485716904_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZIChEUrFdeEQ7kNvgHEvz3V&_nc_oc=Adj-XVacXFcQfrAYvTjfM9iqmQnJWTP03O1eebdETUMnNGjr0dGzwagBLnmMSmnUilq9FmqtdIa1Gwdkqkd_BYEp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYA4oRxESutG5Ao6O0yA4N29s9Q2a9Ed5aRiDhC97eAbPA&oe=67CB5BEE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For seven years, I've been Castro Harrison's secret lover. Our love was hidden in the shadows, but his kisses and promises kept me willing to stay. I thought he would finally acknowledge me—until that day when I overheard him talking with his friends. It turned out I was nothing more than a substitute. That night, I finally stepped into the room he had forbidden me from entering. On the desk, there was a picture frame—inside, a photo of him and another woman locked in a tight embrace, the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background. At that moment, my heart turned completely cold. I erased every trace of myself in a single night and left without looking back. One minute before my flight took off, I sent my brother a message. "This afternoon, have the man you chose come and register the marriage." For seven years, I've been in a secret relationship with Castro Harrison, my brother's best friend. Just as I was hoping he'd propose, I tracked his location to a private lounge at an upscale restaurant, where I found they were joking about me. "Castro, now that Oriana's back from London, what are you going to do about that replacement?" Castro remained silent, his lack of response speaking volumes. The tension in the air was broken by another friend's sardonic laugh. "You've got to hand it to Castro–having the nerve to pursue William Blackwood's sister while Oriana was away. Now that you've had your fun, and Oriana's back..." "Well, Oriana deserved it after how coldly she left. A replacement was just what she needed to teach her a lesson!" ...... The next day, Castro took me to Oriana's welcome-home party at the Blackwood Estate, lavishing attention on me with an almost theatrical display of affection. But when Oriana ran out in tears, her Chanel dress stained with wine, Castro pushed me aside without a second thought and rush out. I returned home alone, my cream silk blouse ruined by scalding soup and my skin was still stinging. With trembling hands, I finally opened the door to his study---the one room he'd always declared off-limits. There, prominently displayed on his mahogany desk, was a photograph of him and Oriana in Paris, the Eiffel Tower gleaming behind their embracing figures. My heart turned to ice as I dialed my brother's number in Switzerland. "William... about that arranged marriage–I'll do it." "Aveline?" My brother's voice softened with concern, catching the unfamiliar strain in my tone. "What's wrong? This doesn't sound like you at all." A lump formed in my throat, but I forced a light laugh. "Nothing's wrong. I just realized - marriage is inevitable, isn't it? Does it really matter who it is?" "Besides," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady. "I trust your and father's judgment. Even for a business merger marriage, I know you would have vetted the candidate thoroughly." William's relief was audible through the phone. "I'm glad you're being sensible about this. When are you coming back? Would you like to meet him first before making your final decision?" "No need. The sooner we proceed, the sooner we can resolve the company's crisis. Go ahead and start planning the wedding. Let's set it for... a month from now." "Perfect! By the way, have you heard from Castro?" he coninued, "His first love is finally back in town. You should invite him to the wedding - let him share in your happiness." So William knew about Oriana too. No wonder Castro never let me tell my brother about us. I lowered my eyes, concealing the pain that threatened to spill over. "Don't bother him, Will. We're... not that close." Hearing the door unlock, I quickly said goodbye and ended the call. I looked up to find Castro leaning against the doorframe, his signature smirk playing across his lips. "Not close to whom?" "You." My honest answer only made his smirk widen as he pulled me into his arms. "Oh really?" His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Should we discuss just how 'not close' we are? All those nights together weren't close enough?" His breath was hot against my ear, and for the first time, his intimate gesture made my skin crawl instead of flutter. As I struggled, I caught sight of the lipstick stain on his collar - a shade I'd never worn. The movement aggravated my scalds, sending sharp stabs of pain through my body until tears sprang to my eyes. "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are you hurt?" My tears seemed to spark genuine panic in Castro. When he pushed up my sleeve and saw the angry red scalds on my wrist, his voice trembled with concern. “God, when did this happen? Why didn't you tell me you were scalded?” He seemed to have completely forgotten about the incident at the party. I remained silent, unsure whether to remind him and shatter his façade of devotion. "Stop crying, darling. Let me get some medicine for that." He stroked my hair soothingly before standing to retrieve the first aid kit, muttering as he walked. "You're still such a child sometimes, aren't you? So sensitive to pain, so quick to tears. What would you do without me?" I stared numbly at the scalds on my wrist. Yes, what would I do without him after seven years of his "protection"? But Castro... I don't want you anymore. I don't want this false love anymore! I spent a restless night, tossing and turning, my skin clammy with fever sweat on the sheets. At dawn, Castro tried to coax me out of bed. When I mumbled protests and pushed him away, he leaned in with an amused smile to kiss me. For the first time in seven years, his kiss made me flinch. My hand instinctively rose to slap him but I caught myself. Thankfully, it was just a brief peck. "Awake yet, sleeping beauty?" he teased. I turned away, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "It's Saturday. Why can't you let me sleep?" His expression softened with concern. "You were running a fever last night. Come on, we need to get you to the hospital." Though I felt better, his insistence won out and I reluctantly got dressed. In the hospital corridor, we ran into Oriana. She was hobbling along alone, clearly having injured her ankle. Castro's gentle demeanor vanished instantly. His brow furrowed with worry as he rushed to her side, steadying her with his hands. "What happened to you?" Oriana gave him a warm smile, then glanced meaningfully at me. "Just twisted my ankle. What a coincidence seeing you both here." Castro tensed, throwing me a quick, guilty look. "Ah yes, my friend's sister wasn't feeling well. Brought her in to check her fever." I was long used to this charade. From the moment Castro decided to keep our relationship secret, he'd introduced me to all his friends as his best friend's sister who he'd promised to look after. Only his innermost circle knew the truth about us. "You're such a good guardian to the poor girl." Oriana nodded sympathetically. Well, don't let me keep you - my appointment's down that way." She gestured toward a clinic door further down the hall. When she started to hop again, Castro didn't hesitate. He swept her up into his arms bridal-style. "Let me take you there." he said eagerly, "Aveline, wait here for me, alright?" Watching them, something inside me crumbled. My fever seemed to return full force, leaving me weak and dizzy. I leaned against the cold hospital wall, not bothering to respond. The stark white corridor suddenly felt endless and empty, much like my future without him. Castro didn't wait for my response - he was already carrying Oriana toward the clinic, her arms wrapped around his neck. How telling. No matter how well he played his part, his true feelings always surfaced around Oriana, betraying everything he tried to hide. Yet he seemed completely oblivious to his own transparency. I let out a bitter laugh and headed to my own appointment. My suspicions were confirmed - my temperature was 106°F. The doctor explained that my untreated scalds, combined with emotional stress, had led to an infection. I needed immediate IV antibiotics. My finger hovered over Castro's number out of habit before I caught myself. Habits really are terrifying things, aren't they? With a self-deprecating smile, I handled everything alone - getting the prescription and finding the IV treatment room. After the treatment, I felt even worse, nearly collapsing as I tried to walk. However, Castro hadn't returned - not even a text or call. Reluctantly, I called him. "You're still at the hospital?" He sounded surprised. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I was going to drop Oriana home quickly and come back, but her stomach condition flared up and..." But his explanation was cut short by a waitress's voice in the background: "Sir, your meals are served. Buon apetite!" Despite his rushed attempt to muffle the phone, I heard every word. "It's fine. I can handle on my own!" I said, as much to convince myself as him. Before I could hang up, he called out, "Aveline, go home first. I'll explain everything later." What was there to explain? Just another lie to add to his collection. I ended the call and ordered an Uber home. Castro didn't return that night. Unable to sleep through the New Year's fireworks outside, I worked on some jewelry designs for my clients on my iPad. Accidentally touching the messaging app icon, I saw Oriana's social media post from an hour ago - a stunning photo of fireworks lighting up the night sky, captioned: "After years of wandering, I've come home to you. The fireworks welcome me back, just as brilliant as your love. Worth every moment of waiting." I stared at the screen for a long moment before realizing I was logged into Castro's account on my iPad. I had no interest in reading their intimate messages. I logged out immediately, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in my heart. The next morning, feeling somewhat better, I arrived at the design firm right on time. Sarah, my creative director, held my resignation letter with mixed emotions when I told her about returning home for marriage. "First my best jewelry designer leaves for marriage," she sighed, shaking her head. "The studio won't be the same without you." Words failed me, so I hugged her instead, grateful for her mentorship over the years. News of my departure spread quickly through the office. My colleagues insisted on throwing me a farewell dinner. I suggested the Italian restaurant Castro and I frequented - partly because I didn't know many others, but mostly because their seafood risotto was exceptional. During dinner, I excused myself to the wash my hand, only to find Oriana touching up her makeup at the marble vanity. "What a coincidence!" She smiled warmly at my reflection. "You know, Castro first brought me here during our college days. We've had so many special moments in this place since then." I returned a polite smile and turned to leave, seeing no reason for small talk between us. But Oriana wasn't finished. She called after me, "I noticed something the other night - Castro always rinses the spicy sauce off your shrimp. Are you sensitive to spice too?" That single word - "too" - made me freeze. The truth was, I loved spicy food. But Castro always insisted on rinsing my shrimp, claiming spicy food wasn't ladylike. I'd believed he was being protective. Now I realized he was simply acting on habit. It’s Oriana, who couldn't handle spice. Seeing my silence, she tilted her head, studying my face with unsettling intensity. "You know, I've been meaning to say this since I first saw you... Don't you think we look remarkably similar?" I'd never felt more humiliated. Under her triumphant gaze, I fled the bathroom, the pieces finally falling into place - I hadn't been his love, I'd been her replacement. Back in the private dining room, my colleagues' warmth slowly thawed my frozen state. Just as I was beginning to push aside the unpleasant encounter, the door swung open. Castro stood in the doorway, his Armani suit slightly disheveled, his eyes scanning the crowded room before landing on me with laser focus. In that moment of eye contact, I saw barely contained rage in his expression, though I couldn't fathom why. "Aveline." His voice cut through the chatter like ice. "A word?" Following him into the marble-lined hallway, I was utterly unprepared for what happened next. His hand connected with my cheek in a sharp crack that echoed off the pristine walls. In seven years, he had never raised a hand to me. "How dare you push Oriana?" Meeting my shocked gaze, he showed no remorse - only fury. "You knew her ankle was injured. I told you I'd explain everything later - is this your way of getting revenge?" My cheek stung where he'd struck me. Oriana limped toward us from down the hallway. Her designer blouse was rumpled and stained with water. Before I could defend myself, she collapsed dramatically to the floor. Castro shoved past me, rushing to gather her in his arms. "Why did you follow us? I told you I'd bring her to apologize," he said to Oriana, his harsh words belied by his tender tone. Oriana shook her head, tears glistening. "It's nothing serious. She probably didn't mean it. Don't be so hard on her." "If William finds out you struck his sister..." she added softly. At the mention of my brother, something flickered in Castro's eyes. But looking at Oriana, his resolve hardened. "William trusted me with her care," he said firmly. "If she needs correction, that's my responsibility." I let out a bitter laugh. "What exactly did I do? Even criminals get due process. You're denouncing and striking me without any evidence - doesn't that seem unjust to you?" Castro's fists clenched as he glared at me. "You knew there were no cameras in the restroom. That's why you chose to attack her there." The absurdity of it all made me want to laugh and cry simultaneously. "If there were no cameras, how can you be so sure it was me?" "Because Oriana wouldn't lie!" He took a step toward me, his cologne - the one she'd given him years ago, I now realized - overwhelming. "What possible reason would she have? I've known her for years. She's not capable of that kind of deception." I met his gaze, unflinching. "So I must be the liar then?" Seven years together. I'd thought that would mean something - that Castro would at least trust my character. But in Oriana's presence, those seven years might as well have been seven minutes. “Her word alone was enough to convict me. One accusation, and I was guilty beyond redemption.” The favoritism was unmistakable, his blind devotion to her undeniable. And me? I was just the understudy who'd forgotten her place. There was no point in arguing further. Ignoring Castro's angry calls, I walked away, my cheek still stinging from his slap. Not wanting to cast a shadow over my colleagues' celebration, I quietly settled the bill and texted them: "Something came up. Please enjoy the rest of the evening - dinner's on me." Back home, I found myself really seeing our apartment for the first time in seven years. Every corner held memories: the window seat where we'd shared Sunday morning coffee, the kitchen island where he'd taught me to make his grandmother's tiramisu. What once felt magical now felt poisonous, each memory a thorn in my heart. I found a moving box and spent the night methodically erasing our relationship: the matching "Beauty and Beast" slippers, the "his and hers" coffee mugs that fit together, and a whole collection of professional couple photographs - holiday cards, vacation shots, carefully staged moments of perfect happiness. These had been my security blanket, my proof that what we had was real. Now they were just artifacts of an elaborate performance. Castro didn't come home for two weeks. Between finishing my last jewelry designs,, I systematically emptied the apartment. I sold or donated every piece of furniture I'd chosen, every decorative touch I'd added. The space returned to its original state: stark minimalist, black and white, emptiness echoing off the walls. The night before my departure, I tried calling him one last time. Each attempt met with immediate rejection. Finally, a text appeared: "Unless you're ready to admit your guilt and properly apologize to Oriana, we have nothing to discuss." I laughed bitterly at my phone's screen. So be it. Some conversations were better left unsaid. My early morning flight beckoned. As I wheeled my suitcase out, this space that had once felt so precious now felt like a prison I was finally escaping. Just before boarding, my phone lit up with birthday wishes. Friends and colleagues sending hopes for my future, wishes for happiness, prayers for true love. I responded to each one before switching off my phone. As the plane lifted off, I made a silent promise to myself: I would be happy. With so many people wishing me well, how could I not be? 【5909】		FavoRead		1151	https://www.facebook.com/100083109648305/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731872	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 7:04 PM	1740993493	1746835452		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480919994_625210880285585_5463285941065603322_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wPUaZgV5fQwQ7kNvgGhN4If&_nc_oc=AdjJjc-16qiojGa_5qU4BBrTESZcri03Wh-8SfaZV_t7ZnSSAYvgh53vQn2a6ih3_mhvW2eLuEODGbG2XDPY0VBC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYBkgAei3YXrEgM8jVoTAMPPO9FEcGkHOCeynocq80aczQ&oe=67CB47C9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731708	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 6:00 PM	1740993490	1749769210		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481277956_1010542110973457_1670987080298753513_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iIQm2lZmJvgQ7kNvgG4936v&_nc_oc=AdgW-whPfe-VNNb1L_7aYQz77ndJ_V0Xn9LHvYvKoHjyw7Xm6216aKFpqqjD01MHO0X7w43jhgEfBRdZ-Zsftal1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYDHrRemBnlt0jFaSnOds6xdd6VSxX_o8v4LcouHK3UOsQ&oe=67CB332D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336049	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731974	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 10:33 PM	1740993496	1746848000		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D6919707FF01A942A41992BED1C529D0EF8CC2C			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481075462_619799977321090_2928982449506086932_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=hp9hNbTuFpcQ7kNvgHP4Rsc&_nc_oc=Adg5yzflyoCgZLow3Mi1Nc65GGF4pNrNQZD8wt-wACcjstsfxJOYWgHcxpmxOx8d9e-4wlSQIe7By9r7bj6uTECD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AvTc9d3IMKfJ9SmniYun15g&oh=00_AYBTYzM8akQeADAcbZBGsTeWlKtprno7AqDpIN-8zCn5HA&oe=67CB3464	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732308	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 3:50 PM	1740993502	1749761406		2747																										c.whastory.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://c.whastory.com/ad/bnV0cmVhZHMvNDQ1MzUzLzIwMjUwMzAxMTczNDAzL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			2.0338622285244E+14	Wha001	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482028737_1164702455134050_6185351130665277817_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Oo1a_PsYuRsQ7kNvgEP0tFF&_nc_oc=AdjVgSSDiHLH_Dd3iJbPIswCUW2ryyVGZT3EqYwZuYJ2ct0WLrfhHV3jjaMYwZLKKnPPD-AlfDffdIgbIRXlJ8fq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYC9LCmmV3yUQphljKYSv9tGQDbBgOtZFX2ex9jxw8LzEA&oe=67CB2C1B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		She sacrificed her career, her power, and her future so her husband could sit in the highest seat in the country-with her standing beside him as the perfect First Lady. Until he humiliated her. Publicly. His affair with a younger woman was a spectacle. The headlines mocked her. The whispers picked her apart. And when his mistress got pregnant, Alexander barely looked at Selene as he told her, "This doesn't change anything. You'll always be my wife." No, Alexander. This changes everything. Because Selene doesn't cry. She doesn't beg. She retaliates. And when she's done, he won't just lose his presidency. He'll lose everything. -------- "Do you know what you do to me?" His voice was rough, his fingers sliding beneath lace, teasing, torturing. She pulled his belt loose, the metallic clink drowning beneath her heavy breathing. "Show me." And he did. He pressed into her, swallowed the gasp she let out. The sharp edge of the bookshelf dug into her shoulders, but she barely felt it. All she felt was him-his heat, his weight, the way he owned her completely in that moment. Footsteps echoed faintly outside the door. A voice-muffled, passing. Damian's hand covered her mouth as he moved harder, deeper. The thrill of being caught sent fire through her veins. "Quiet, mon trésor," he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. "Unless you want them to hear how good I'm bedding you." Selene bit his palm as she came undone, her entire body trembling around him. ________________ Alexander stumbled through the front doors of the White House, his tie loosened, his collar askew. The scent hit Selene first—jasmine and vanilla, cloying and unmistakably feminine. Not hers. She stood at the top of the grand staircase, arms crossed. "You're late." He scoffed, not even looking at her as he tossed his jacket onto a chair. "I don't answer to you." Selene descended, slow, deliberate. "And yet, you reek of another woman." That got his attention. His head snapped up, eyes flashing with something dark—annoyance, perhaps. Not guilt. Never guilt. "Watch your tone, Selene." "Or what?" She stepped closer, chin lifted. "You'll lie to me again? Pretend the entire city doesn't know what you've been doing?" He laughed, a low, condescending chuckle. "I don't need to pretend. I'm the President of the United States. I do what I want. If I want to f another woman, I will. And you?" He grabbed her wrist, yanking her closer. "You'll be a good little trophy wife and smile for the cameras." His grip was tight, just shy of bruising. Testing her. Daring her to break. Selene kept her face blank, even as pain curled through her wrist like a warning. Instead of pulling away, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his ear. "You think you're untouchable." Her voice was barely a whisper, just for him. "But I've already found the cracks in your throne." She felt his fingers twitch—just for a fraction of a second—before he shoved her back. Not hard enough to send her to the floor, but enough to steal her breath. "You forget your place," he said coldly. Her throat tightened. My place? She smoothed her blouse with steady hands, her pulse no longer quick with anger, but something sharper. Colder. "You should be careful, Alexander." She let her eyes drag over him, unimpressed. "You think power makes you untouchable, but you've never been more vulnerable." He smirked, turning toward the bar. "That a threat?" Selene tilted her head, watching as he poured himself a drink with all the arrogance of a man who believed himself invincible. "No," she said smoothly. "It's a promise." He barked out another laugh, tipping his glass at her before walking off. "I'd love to see you try." Selene followed Alexander up the grand staircase, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. He didn't glance back, shoulders squared as he stalked toward their bedroom. "Alexander, stop," she said, keeping her tone measured. "You're making a spectacle of yourself." She paused. "Of me." He scoffed but didn't slow down. "A spectacle? In my own home?" She caught up just as he pushed open the bedroom doors. The scent of expensive whiskey mixed with the perfume of the other woman made Selene's stomach twist. He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossing it carelessly onto a chair. Selene shut the door behind her. Locked it. "You can't keep doing this." He yanked his tie loose, eyes flicking to her in the mirror's reflection. "And what exactly am I doing, Selene?" "You know well what." Her fingers curled into her palms. "You're embarrassing me. You're embarrassing yourself. The rumors—" "Are just that," he cut in, unbuttoning his shirt. "Besides, I don't answer to you." He turned to face her fully, irritation flashing in his gaze. "Know your place. Let that sink in." There it was again. That smug confidence. That belief that she was nothing but a beautiful fixture in his perfect, curated life. "My place?" she echoed, incredulous. "You must be joking, Alexander. Everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. And this is how you repay me?" He chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Repay you? Selene, don't fool yourself. You're a trophy. A good one. Beautiful, poised, the perfect First Lady." He took a step closer, towering over her. "But that's all you are. So quit this delusion that you have any power over me." Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with something dark and scheming. Let him underestimate her. "You're spiraling, Alexander." She shook her head, feigning pity. "If you don't rein this in, you will fall." A muscle ticked in his jaw. She'd hit a nerve. "Enough." "You need to—" His hand shot out. The crack echoed. Pain erupted across her cheek, sharp and burning. The force of it made her stumble, her breath catching. Not from fear. Not from hurt. But from fury. The silence between them stretched like a blade, gleaming, waiting. Selene didn't touch the sting blooming across her skin. She just lifted her chin, steady as ever. Alexander exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I warned you." He turned and strode toward the en-suite bathroom. "Quit challenging me, Selene. I won't tell you again." The door slammed shut behind him. Selene stood frozen. Not in shock. Not in fear. In quiet, measured calculation. He had never laid a hand on her before. Never. Her eyes landed on the bed, where his phone lay abandoned. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Camille Durand. Selene's stomach tightened, the name burning itself into her vision. Without thinking, she snatched the phone off the bed and answered, bringing it to her ear. "Alex, darling," Camille's sultry tone oozed through the speaker. "I was hoping you'd still be awake. I couldn't stop thinking about you." Selene said nothing, gripping the device so hard her nails dug into her palm. Camille hummed. "You were incredible tonight, you know that? The way you—" She stopped abruptly. "Wait. Who is this?" Selene's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "His wife." There was a pause, then a soft laugh. "Oh. How disappointing." Selene's grip tightened. "Likewise." Camille didn't bother with pleasantries. "I assume he's in the shower, then?" She sighed dramatically. "God, that man is insatiable. I can barely keep up." Selene stayed silent, letting Camille's words slither between them, every syllable stoking the fire in her chest. "You must know by now," Camille continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "He doesn't love you. He never did. You were just convenient. A stepping stone." Selene's nails pressed into her palm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Are you done?" Camille chuckled. "For now. He calls me by your name sometimes. Almost makes me feel bad for you. But don't worry, sweetheart. I'll make sure he thinks of me while he's with you." Selene ended the call before Camille could say another word. She stood there, breathing heavily, the phone still clutched in her fist. Then, slowly, she placed it back on the bed, smoothing out the covers as if nothing had happened. Alexander thought he could humiliate her. That he could treat her like a disposable ornament and get away with it. He had no idea who he was dealing with. Selene Moreau didn't get mad. She got even. Selene dabbed another layer of concealer over her cheek, blending it carefully. The bruise was faint now, just a shadow beneath the powder, but she could still feel it. A phantom ache. A quiet, burning reminder. Alexander had never hit her before. But now he had. And that changed everything. She snapped the compact shut, set her shoulders, and stepped into the dining room. Damian Wolfe was already there, whiskey in hand, standing beside Alexander. He turned at the sound of her heels against the marble. And he stared. Not like other men did—like she was something to be admired, possessed. Damian's stare was different. Knowing. His dark eyes swept over her, missing nothing. And when it landed on her cheek, her breath caught for half a second. Did he see through the makeup? She didn't let her expression falter. She would not. "Darling," Alexander drawled, swirling his drink. "I was just telling Damian about the press tour next month. Seems they can't get enough of us." Us. Selene reached for her wine glass, her fingers feather-light on the stem. "Us?" she echoed, taking a sip. "Funny. I thought they only wanted you." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the ghost of a smirk on Damian's lips. Amused. Almost like he was enjoying the cracks in Alexander's carefully curated illusion. Alexander laughed, that easy, arrogant sound. "Come now, we are a team, aren't we?" Selene didn't answer. Just sipped her wine. Damian's voice cut through the charged silence. "Rough day, Selene?" A simple question. But the way he said it smoothly made her pulse spike. And then his eyes flicked, just for a fraction of a second, to her cheek. Like he knew exactly what was beneath the concealer. She felt her grip tighten around the glass, but she kept her face unreadable. Instead, she tilted her head, lips curving slightly. "Nothing I can't handle." A beat. A flicker of something in Damian's expression. He knew. But why did he care? Selene had never been able to figure him out completely. He was sharp, almost too sharp, with a quiet kind of power that didn't need to be flaunted. Where Alexander was loud in his dominance, Damian was restrained, careful. Dangerous in a different way. She wasn't sure if she trusted him. But she also wasn't sure she didn't. Alexander had been ignoring the exchange at first, too absorbed in his own ego, but now she felt the shift. His body stiffened, his fingers curling tighter around his glass. Selene stood slowly, reaching for the wine bottle. And she felt it again—Damian's eyes tracking her. Lingering. Like he was daring her to react. Alexander noticed this time. Before she could pour, his hand covered hers. Tight. A fraction too hard. A touch meant to remind. "Let me," Alexander said, voice light, but there was a tension coiled beneath it. Selene met his eyes, an unreadable smile curving her lips, before withdrawing her hand. Letting him feel like he'd won. Damian watched it all. His smirk deepened, but his eyes... they were sharper now. Assessing. "Something on your mind, Damian?" Alexander asked, his voice threaded with something new. Territorial. Damian raised his glass. "Just admiring your taste." Selene's fingers pressed into the stem of her glass. Did he mean her? Or something else? The air in the room tightened. Alexander let out a slow breath, masking his irritation with a smirk of his own. "Not every man is lucky enough to have a wife as... captivating as mine," he said, his tone veiled with smug satisfaction. Selene lifted her glass to her lips, watching Damian over the rim. Damian's eyes held hers as he took a slow sip of his whiskey. "No," he murmured. "They're not." The silence that followed was deafening. When Damian finally left, Alexander was still stewing, his fingers tapping against the table. Selene saw him off with nothing more than a nod. No words. No expression. Outside, as the heavy doors clicked shut behind him, a guard stepped forward, slipping something into her palm. A folded note. "You deserved better than that. Let me know when you're ready." No name. But she didn't need one. She already knew. The moment the front doors shut behind Damian, Selene felt it coming. The shift. Like a storm rolling in, the pressure in the room changed. The air grew thicker, heavier with something volatile. She didn't turn around immediately. Instead, she carefully smoothed the note between her fingers, then slipped it into the pocket of her dress. Unhurried. Collected. A predator's instinct told her: Don't let him see you flinch first. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. Low. Dangerous. "Did you enjoy yourself?" Selene finally turned. Alexander stood near the bar, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. His smirk was lazy, forced, but his eyes were sharp. Too sharp. She tipped her head. "Should I have?" His smile stretched, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Damian, of all people?" Ah. There it was. Jealousy. Alexander hated being ignored. Even more, he hated the idea of someone else seeing what was his. Selene stepped closer. "Damian's been your right-hand man for years. Why the sudden concern?" Alexander let out a dark chuckle, pacing. "Don't insult me, Selene." He turned to her, eyes blazing now. "I saw the way you looked at him." She arched a brow, lips curving slightly. "And how, exactly, was that?" He closed the distance in two strides. "Like you wanted him to see you." A shiver danced down her spine, but she held her ground. His voice dropped to a taunting whisper. "Is that your revenge, then? You want to get back at me with my own ally?" He leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Pathetic." Selene's fingers curled at her sides. Pathetic. The word slithered under her skin, lodging deep. She exhaled slowly, forcing her expression into something smooth. Indifferent. Then, with careful precision, she lifted her hand and traced a single finger along the lapel of his jacket. A calculated move. One he wouldn't expect. Alexander stilled. "Do you really think I need Damian to get back at you?" she murmured, meeting his eyes. His jaw ticked. Her smile deepened. "If I wanted to ruin you, Alexander," she whispered, her lips barely an inch from his, "I wouldn't need another man to do it." The moment stretched, electric. Then, just as slowly, she stepped back, plucking the glass of wine from the table. Alexander's nostrils flared, his control cracking. She could feel it—the unraveling. The moment where he couldn't decide if he wanted to punish her or prove something to her. Let him wonder. Let him seethe. She took a slow sip of wine, eyes never leaving his, and then, just as smooth, she turned on her heel and walked away. Selene barely made it three steps before he was on her. A hand snatched her wrist, jerking her back so hard she gasped. The sharp crack of shattering glass ricocheted through the room, an echo of the war already waging between them. Before she could react, his mouth was on hers. Bruising. Punishing. His fingers dug into her waist, pulling her flush against him as his teeth scraped her bottom lip, a silent warning, a twisted claim. Mine. The word wasn't spoken, but she felt it in every harsh pull, every breath stolen from her lungs. Her nails bit into his arms, but he didn't let go. Didn't ease up. He wanted her to fight. To struggle. To remind her who was stronger. When he finally pulled back, his grip still ironclad, his breath came ragged. His pupils were blown wide, fury and something uglier, needier, swirling in the depths of his gaze. His voice was low, shaking with barely restrained rage. "You think you can play games with me?" Selene's lips burned. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to show it. Instead, she lifted a hand and wiped her mouth. Slow. Unbothered. Mocking. Alexander's fingers tightened at her waist. "Look at me when I speak to you." She did. But not the way he wanted. Her visage was ice. He yanked her closer, his lips grazing her ear this time, his voice almost gentle. "No one else touches what's mine, Selene. No one." A shiver rippled down her spine. Not from fear. From the sheer audacity of him. She exhaled a slow, controlled breath. Then, with perfect poise, she pressed her palm against his chest. Not hard. Just enough. Alexander's breath hitched. Then, she shoved. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make a statement. A dangerous gleam flickered in his eyes, but she spoke before he could move again. "You may be the President, Alexander," she murmured, smoothing the front of her dress where his hands had been, "but you forget something." His jaw ticked. "What?" Her lips curled, a quiet, knowing smile. "Presidents are replaceable." The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's entire body went still. His chest rose and fell with deep, controlled breaths, but she could see the way his hands curled into fists at his sides.		Wha001		85	https://www.facebook.com/61554496303428/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731635	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 10:41 PM	1740993488	1746848471		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481203739_1203230548034598_7373133299625777518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FxlrHw5NncwQ7kNvgFI6nkZ&_nc_oc=AdgeZgKiqpxeHsv2W4KRG_DdX907_nXAur5aqJrc3-DfiX20_D508Zhht_XL-zdPizLDgvd2us1WV4kLFk_7a1YX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOL2pRfkuFna1cFslb5gtTi&oh=00_AYBc8JRQLSF5Y2OUuQFibcdMbXdiR4_NWSD5FM17U1xu_g&oe=67CB3AD1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late... 👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series🥰		Reelshort-Video stories		618213	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731722	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 4:22 PM	1740993490	1749763367		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481821481_420127634495190_2013068370866239300_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QfwRuj8KPqYQ7kNvgHUDaw-&_nc_oc=AdjtbHYu7YrUTYw6mg3N5K8hknN89tm6o21FMR0nyNDwyblh2iFrqFRmK17N9dAKIsLgAj8N03ZQEk_aVkgQgJhb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYDhIBY3LvZbRu_5nGSe-Vnb4Qg5GOxLuPtWK1hS4TrMww&oe=67CB4245	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731755	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 9:55 PM	1740993491	1746845702		2747																										www.novel-oasis.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules📜		https://www.novel-oasis.com/share/middle/fwjibt1jfi3mkphu4rk4uebe?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217146022620690&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0044243922423E+14	Novel Yang Booming	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481790953_624752257183376_3335726418814281189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VbFu_2cVF68Q7kNvgHII71Y&_nc_oc=Adh5rwHfnwjQcfA2XdwAFsjG7BUeV5BgRN_OiPf3c8B2Q9xa8yAcO4T8_Z_cv-r_Z_tlW5hha9hRQRkVewK-EhhU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYBH5Jnosb4t-VwKiohaLVqPUSKAmjJ1-toTfSUGt6O-fw&oe=67CB306D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋Joycelyn Maynard slept with her boss after the company retreat. Now, watching him sleep beside her, her eyes traced the contours of his perfect abs as she swallowed nervously. 'Does this mean... I'm gonna be fired?' she wondered. Ellison Grant's piercing gaze met hers. "We're getting married. I'll take responsibility." Her mind went blank. 'Since when did successful men become so old-fashioned? One night together, and he's already talking marriage?' she thought. ***** "Joycelyn, you're now twenty-six. Don't tell me you're still a virgin?" The teasing words from her colleagues at the company retreat echoed through Joycelyn's mind as she leaned against the hotel corridor wall. Having never been kissed, she'd dodged their questions by downing several drinks, then excused herself, claiming intoxication. Now she fumbled with her key card, the door stubbornly refusing to open. Frustrated, she pressed her flushed face against the cool surface, only to stumble forward as it suddenly swung inward. Ellison stood before her, his chiseled features cast in shadow. Joycelyn blinked in confusion. 'Why is he in my room?' she wondered, mesmerized by his commanding presence. 'This has to be a dream.' "Is there something on my face?" His eyes narrowed, voice rough with barely contained desire. "Mhmm." The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, soft and breathy. Standing before this usually untouchable man, she recalled her colleague Selene Whitmore's whispered words. "A man like Mr. Grant must be incredible in bed," Selene had said, and now here he was, larger than life. Joycelyn's tongue darted across her lips as heat bloomed through her body. 'If I can't have him in real life,' she thought, 'at least I can enjoy this dream.' She launched herself forward, pushing the door shut behind her. "Mr. Grant, they say any woman who gets to spend a night with you must be very lucky." Her lips curved into a playful smile. "Care to test that theory?" The air crackled between them as their eyes locked. Ellison, his own judgment clouded by alcohol, felt his control slipping as her soft curves pressed against him. Instead of pushing her away, he pulled her closer. "Is this what you want? Huh?" he murmured against her ear, his proximity sending shivers down her spine. "Yes," she breathed, the word barely a whisper. Her eyes, glazed with desire and wine, held him captive. Up close, his features were even more striking than the glimpses she'd caught at the office. She found herself tracing every perfect line with her gaze—from his sculpted brows to his straight nose, finally lingering on his parted lips. Her expression shifted from seductive to innocent as their eyes met again. The way she looked at him—he knew exactly what was going on. In one fluid motion, he took control, pressing her against the wall. His fingers guided her hand to his belt, his voice husky with restraint. "Help me with this." Before she could respond, his lips claimed hers in her first kiss. She melted into him as he deepened the kiss, her inexperience yielding to his expertise. Her heart thundered in her chest. The kiss was both tender and commanding, more real than any dream could be. Every nerve ending sparked with electricity as she fumbled with his buttons and zipper, following his lead. Perhaps because she believed it was a dream, there was no pain—only pleasure. Under his gentle guidance, she even found herself taking initiative, discovering that the normally stern boss was surprisingly tender and skilled, though his stamina proved overwhelming. ***** The next morning, Joycelyn drifted between sleep and wakefulness as footsteps approached. 'Why does this dream feel so real?' she wondered, her brow furrowing as Ellison's voice reached her ears. Reality crashed in as she opened her eyes to find him approaching, a towel slung low on his hips. Her gaze traced involuntarily over his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and the tempting V-line disappearing beneath white terry cloth. Memories of the night before flooded her mind, each more explicit than the last. Color rushed to her cheeks, then drained away just as quickly. "Mr. Grant! Why are you here?" She clutched the sheets tighter. "Last night, we... we..." The words stuck in her throat as his eyes studied her flustered expression. "What exactly are you trying to ask?" He was curious. "I mean, last night, did we..." Her tongue tied itself in knots. "We did." His simple confirmation hit her like a thunderbolt. Clinging to one last thread of hope, she stammered, "But did we actually..." "Yes, we did," he replied firmly. Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the sudden silence. "Having regrets now?" His expression remained unreadable. She wrestled with her answer. Objectively speaking, her first time with a gorgeous, skilled partner had been incredible. But sleeping with her direct superior? That was career suicide. "Well, Mr. Grant," she began carefully, "I was drunk last night and barely remember anything. We're both adults—can't we just forget this and go back to normal?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he studied her. "You're still in my bed and already trying to pretend this never happened?" Catching sight of the hickeys she'd left on his collarbone, she pulled the sheets higher. "Then at least turn around so I can get dressed." Instead, he moved toward the bed, his weight making the mattress dip. Her breath caught as his handsome face loomed over hers. She tried to retreat, but he caught her wrists, pinning them above her head. In their struggle, the sheet slipped to her waist. Skin met skin, sending tingles of electricity through her body. A shiver ran down her spine. "Mr. Grant—" Her protest died in her throat. Her heart raced as heat flooded her face. His weight pressed her into the mattress, the position simultaneously thrilling and mortifying. The tension in his features as he held himself in check only made him more irresistible. "You said you couldn't remember anything," he murmured, his intense gaze holding hers. "Then let me refresh your memory." Her blush deepened as she tried to look anywhere but at him. A glimpse of his taut muscles reminded her exactly how well-equipped he was. Even as a novice, she knew that desire, once unleashed, was impossible to contain. His masculine form pressed against her once more. His teeth grazed her pale collarbone, drawing a soft whimper from her lips. "Mr. Grant!" She meant to stop him, but her breathy moan betrayed her. Now fully sober, she found him even more overwhelming than before. This was the final day of the company retreat—they were supposed to head back after lunch. If they delayed much longer, her colleagues would surely notice. But he seemed intent on taking his time. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Soon," he promised. She was losing her mind. Biting her lip, she fought to contain the embarrassing sounds threatening to escape. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them, followed by the sound of executives laughing in the hallway. "Mr. Grant, lunch is ready. We'll be departing for the office afterward," a voice called out. Joycelyn grabbed this chance like a lifeline. "Mr. Grant, we need to go. We can't be late, and it would be terrible if anyone found out." Her earlier boldness had vanished completely, replaced by panic. Frustration flickered across Ellison's features at the interruption. Rolling away, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and made a call. A ringtone sounded from the hallway. Taking advantage of the distraction, Joycelyn clutched the sheet to her chest. Spotting a white shopping bag with women's clothing beside the bed, she snatched it up and hurried to the bathroom. "Go ahead without me." He spoke into the phone. "I'll be down shortly." The voices outside soon faded away. Joycelyn dressed as quickly as possible, wincing slightly at her tender muscles. As she emerged, another phone rang in the room. Ellison was buckling his belt when he reached for it. "Yes?" Joycelyn froze in the bathroom doorway, noticing that was her phone in his hand. She lunged forward in panic, forgetting her soreness. Her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled. Still on the call, Ellison caught her effortlessly with one arm. "Hello?" He spoke into the phone. Joycelyn snatched it away, ending the call. Her stomach dropped as she saw the caller ID—Selene Whitmore. Meanwhile, in the hallway outside Joycelyn's room, Selene exchanged shocked looks with their coworkers. "Did a man just answer Joycelyn's phone?" She paused, eyes widening. "And that sexy voice... it sounded exactly like Mr. Grant." .............................................................................. Joycelyn stared at her vibrating phone, her nerves jangling as Selene's name flashed across the screen. She shot up like a startled rabbit, her usual composure shattering. "This is a disaster. They must be suspicious." Her typically clear head spun as she faced this unprecedented situation, her delicate features pinched with worry. Ellison extended his hand for her phone. "What are you doing?" Her face crumpled with alarm as she instinctively pulled back. "Let me handle it," he said, his deep voice brooking no argument. Though she resisted, his commanding presence made her fingers loosen their grip. "Just... don't say anything weird," she pleaded, watching with bated breath as he answered. "This is Ellison Grant. I found this phone last night and will have my assistant return it shortly." His gaze swept over her anxious face. "As for the owner..." Joycelyn's breath caught in her throat as she watched him, terrified that one wrong word would destroy her career. His deliberate pause had her muscles coiling with tension. Her eyes desperately telegraphed: 'Say something—anything!' Noting her distress, he deliberately prolonged the moment, privately amused by her reaction. His lips curved slightly as he continued smoothly, "I'm unaware of her whereabouts." Relief flooded through her. She'd narrowly escaped catastrophe. "I'll have the phone delivered to your colleague." After hanging up, he set it beside his own. "Okay, so when should I go downstairs?" She raised worried eyes to his. "Won't people notice?" Her cheeks burned with mortification. Already shy about romantic matters, sleeping with her boss made her want to crawl into a hole and disappear. He studied her expression carefully, maintaining his composure while she fidgeted. "Everyone's in the restaurant now. Wait here and leave later," he said calmly. "Okay." She perched on the bed's edge, twisting her fingers together. Without hesitation, he began dressing right in front of her. His model-worthy physique and chiseled features moved with practiced elegance. Each glimpse of him sent her heart racing. 'Selene wasn't wrong,' she thought. 'These cool, composed types really are something else behind closed doors.' "I'll take responsibility for this," he stated while fastening his buttons. Her head snapped up in surprise before she shook it vigorously. "No, no, absolutely not! We're both adults—this was mutual. You don't need to take it to heart." She was just an ordinary office worker fresh out of college, while he was a powerful and wealthy man—way out of her league. She repeated variations of "no need," her expression screaming resistance. His brow furrowed slightly. Her reaction made him wonder if he seemed like some villain forcing himself on an innocent girl. "But I'm serious," he emphasized. "So am I! Let's just never mention this again. My only request is that no one else finds out." She dropped her gaze to her feet, wilting under his intense stare. After studying her silently, he relented. "Fine. I'll head down first." "Mm-hmm." Her relief at his departure was palpable. He cast her a final glance before leaving with both phones. Alone at last, she flopped onto the bed with a groan, pummeling the comforter in frustration. "You've lost your mind, Joycelyn! Of all the men in the world, you had to sleep with Ellison?" After wallowing sufficiently, she reasoned enough time had passed for her colleagues to be downstairs. She washed her face, donned a mask, and carefully checked the hallway. Finding there was no one outside, she slipped out quietly, opting for the emergency stairs over the elevator. Linda Lorne stood by the stairwell, frowning as she watched Joycelyn emerge from Ellison's suite. After descending several flights, Joycelyn reached her room and quickly packed. She loaded her luggage onto the bus before heading to the dining hall. As a Fortune 500 powerhouse, Grant Group employed countless talented individuals. Though brilliant women filled its ranks, Joycelyn stood out. Her presence was like morning mist—ethereal, pure, refreshing—carrying an enigmatic grace that set her apart. Sharp-eyed Selene spotted her immediately. "Joycelyn, over here!" she called, waving enthusiastically. As Joycelyn returned the wave, she felt an intense gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she met Ellison's eyes. His sculpted profile and penetrating gaze—the same eyes that had devoured her the night before—sent her pulse racing. 'Why is he still at the entrance?' she wondered. 'Wasn't he supposed to be downstairs already?' "Sweetie, are you still drunk?" Selene asked, rushing over to link arms. "You're walking funny." "Oh, I twisted my ankle in these heels yesterday," Joycelyn mumbled, heat rising to her cheeks. After last night's abandon and this morning's encore, her legs felt like jelly. "Hmm..." Selene's knowing smirk widened. "One night away and you're all shy like a blushing flower." She leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Don't tell me you got tipsy and jumped our Mr. Grant? That walk screams 'too many positions, too much fun.'" She had a sly grin plastered on her face, as if to say, "You can't fool me, I've got my eye on you." Joycelyn nearly collapsed at her friend's astute observation. "Keep your voice down!" she hissed, her face flaming. "People can hear you!" Seeing Joycelyn's unusual embarrassment only encouraged Selene further. "Am I wrong? You got drunk, ran into our gorgeous boss, and thought 'I'm 26 and still haven't experienced a man.' Next thing you know..." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "That would explain why he answered your phone this morning!" Joycelyn's already scarlet face darkened further. Each of Selene's guesses hit frighteningly close to home. "That's ridiculous," she protested weakly. "What romance novel are you living in?" Noting Joycelyn's guilty yet defensive expression, Selene's grin widened. She spotted Ellison approaching, surrounded by executives. "If you won't tell me, I'll just ask Mr. Grant himself." Selene raised her hand in greeting. "Hi, Mr. Grant!" Joycelyn's heart stopped as she stared at the approaching Adonis, panic threatening to overwhelm her. She worried that if Selene brought it up, he would use the chance to expose their fling and make her "take responsibility." Her stomach dropped as she realized her carefully constructed denial was about to come crashing down. .............................................................................. "Last night—" Selene began, but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward, cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison. "Thank you for finding my phone, Mr. Grant," she interjected smoothly. "Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable. I can't tell you how grateful I am." Joycelyn's matter-of-fact attitude and effusive thanks over a mere phone made Selene's words die in her throat as she stared in confusion. "Just a small matter," Ellison murmured, his gaze flickering momentarily. "We shouldn't keep you from your meal. Please, go ahead, Mr. Grant." Joycelyn tugged Selene aside, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes. Her gaze locked with his, silently pleading for his discretion. After several long beats of eye contact, he moved toward the dining table without another word. Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath, her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments. Selene had intended to gossip, but she found herself completely captivated by Ellison's charm. "God, he's even more stunning up close," she sighed, watching him go. "Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star." A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn. "If your parents knew what was going on in your head, they'd probably blow a gasket!" "Whatever." Selene rolled her eyes. "Let's eat. I need to get home to my man." Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food-loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes, dropping all questions about the previous night. The retreat ended after lunch. While executives took their luxury cars, staff boarded the company bus. From her window seat, Joycelyn's thoughts drifted until Selene's squeal snapped her attention forward. "Look! Mr. Grant's Rolls-Royce is incredible." Selene pressed her face to the glass. "Why couldn't I be so lucky? I wouldn't mind snagging a guy that hot and rich!" Studying the million-dollar vehicle, Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds. Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother. Before the retreat, her family had attempted to set her up with a short, older man offering a hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift. She'd refused, hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts. Instead, the marriage pressure had only intensified. To delay the inevitable confrontation, Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home. Taking a steadying breath outside her door, she turned the key. The scene inside stopped her cold—her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch. "Who threw my things?" Joycelyn's fists clenched at her sides. "Look who finally graced us with her presence," her stepsister Octavia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game. Joycelyn's stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down his cigarette on the balcony and stormed in, his palm cracking across her face. "We raised you, and this is how you repay us?" he roared. "We found you a good match with a generous offer, and you stood him up. Where were you? Out whoring around until this hour?" Only her mother's intervention prevented a second blow. The harsh slap left Joycelyn's cheek throbbing, her eyes wide with disbelief. For years, she'd endured their abuse and insults, surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month. Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle. Something inside her snapped. She swung her bag at his face with all her strength. "How dare you hit me! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me!" "Your father's dead!" Phineas stumbled back, spitting the words. "I'm your father now. If I hadn't pitied you and your mother, I wouldn't have taken in such worthless burdens." "You dare?" Ice crystallized in Joycelyn's voice as she stood tall, unflinching. "I worked my way through college with loans and part-time jobs. My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you. Who's the real burden here?" Her entire frame vibrated with rage. "You manipulated my mother into signing over my father's house. You'd be on the street without us!" The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering he'd caused. .............................................................................. "Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker. Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?" "God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods." Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?" Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family. "Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter. "Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room. "Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?" Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore." "Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed. "My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas. "Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!" Something died in Joycelyn's heart as she watched her mother's passive acceptance. Without a word, she stuffed her clothes into a suitcase and strode toward the door. "Don't worry, I'm going." Her defiance caught Phineas off guard. "And don't bother coming back!" he shouted at her retreating form. With no glance backward, Joycelyn took her suitcase and got into the elevator. ***** Rain hammered the streets as Joycelyn came out. She plunged into the downpour, each icy drop another strike against her skin. Tears mingled with rain on her face as she dragged her suitcase through puddles, her clothes plastered to her trembling frame. Lightning split the sky. Thunder crashed overhead. She dropped into a crouch, hands clasped over her head. These storms had haunted her since the rainy night that claimed her father's life. Finding shelter beneath a bus stop, she huddled against the plastic wall. The wind howled, driving sheets of rain sideways. Tonight, even basic survival seemed an impossible task. Her eyes burned from all the crying as she checked her phone—5% battery. 'They say God never closes a door without opening a window,' she thought bitterly. 'But my life's just one slammed door after another.' With a hollow laugh, she pulled up the company directory and found Ellison's contact. Her fingers moved before her brain could object, sending a message..[Mr. Grant, I'm Joycelyn Maynard. Does your marriage offer from this afternoon still stand?] The moment she hit send, self-loathing crashed over her. She'd rejected him twice today already; she had no reason to think he would agree to help her now. .............................................................................. Ellison stood by his grandmother's hospital bed, concern cracking his stoic mask as he watched her breathe through the oxygen mask. His phone's vibration broke the sterile silence. A message lit up his screen—his eyes sharpened with recognition as he read it. He then sent a one-word response. [Yes.] The speed of his reply caught Joycelyn off guard. Wiping tears away, she typed with trembling fingers: [Could you pick me up? We need to talk.] His terse agreement felt like salvation. Maybe a marriage of convenience wasn't the worst option. She had barely sent her location when her phone died, taken by either rain or drained battery. 'If he comes, I'll marry him,' she decided. 'If not, be it.' As Ellison moved to leave, his grandmother's fragile grasp caught him. "You stubborn boy," Isolde Grant whispered. "I didn't mean to worry you, Grandma. I've found someone—we're getting married tomorrow. No more stress, okay?" His voice held rare tenderness. Hope flickered in Isolde's tired eyes. "Really?" She struggled to sit up. Gently easing her back down, he tucked her blankets close. "Really. I'm going to get her now. You'll meet her in the morning. Rest now." "Promise you're not lying to me." "Never." The world knew Ellison as ruthless and driven, but for his grandmother, his patience was infinite. After briefing the nurses, he grabbed his keys, ready to head out. "Mr. Grant, there's a Category 3 hurricane today. It wouldn't be safe for you to drive," the bodyguard reported promptly, stepping forward as he saw Ellison preparing to leave. "It's fine." Brushing off his warning, Ellison left for the parking lot. His black Maybach cut through the storm like an avenging angel, driving toward its destiny. Fierce wind battered Joycelyn's small frame beneath the bus shelter. She clung to her suitcase, the tempest offering no real protection. Fear of missing Ellison kept her rooted despite the need for better shelter. Rain hammered the roof like buckshot while trees thrashed in the gale. Just as despair settled in her bones and she was about to find another shelter, headlights pierced the darkness and a black car approached through the pouring rain. The Maybach pulled up smoothly. Ellison stepped out, ignoring the storm's fury. Rain instantly plastered his suit to his frame, but his focus remained on the girl before him—lost, hurt, like an abandoned kitten in the storm. "Get in," he said simply, taking her suitcase. His voice cut through chaos. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "I thought you weren't coming," she whispered, swollen eyes meeting his. Though the storm had left her trembling, his presence sparked something warm in her chest, like dawn breaking through the endless night. Her tears of desperation turned to relief, hope kindling in her gaze. Seeing her drenched state, he took her icy hand. "Inside. Now." She stared at his sharp profile, finding unexpected comfort in his grip. The wind chose that moment to tear the bus stop sign loose, sending it hurtling toward them. In one fluid motion, he pulled her against his chest. His body became her shield, steady and immovable. She felt his sharp flinch and heard his muffled grunt of pain. "Are you hurt?" she asked, voice tight with worry. "It's nothing." Ignoring his injured arm, he guided her to safety. Once he put the suitcase away, he climbed into the car, soaked to the bone. The sealed doors created their own world apart from chaos. "You must be injured. Let me look at your arm," she insisted, remembering the metallic crash. "Home first," he said curtly without much explanation. The drive passed in tense silence, Joycelyn gripping her seatbelt like a lifeline. Forty minutes brought them to his private garage. "Here we are." He lifted her damaged suitcase with his good arm. "Mr. Grant?" Her voice came congested from the cold. "Shouldn't we discuss terms?" She stood by the car door, her reddened eyes watching him with uncertainty. "Change your clothes first." He carried her suitcase and strode toward the elevator. She followed like a shadow, head down—worlds away from last night's bold drunk girl. He stopped, waiting for her cautious approach. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the black leather shoes and dripping hem of his suit pants. Looking up, she found him waiting for her. "State your terms," he said, authority rolling off him. "Or we do this my way." Sniffling, she spoke directly. "Marriage to appease my family. Your identity stays secret. No announcements. Divorce in six months to a year. Separate bedrooms." Unable to meet his intense gaze, she looked away and added weakly, "You... you said you'd take responsibility." They both knew she had no leverage. "First three points accepted. We'll discuss divorce later." He tilted her chin up. "Explain the separate rooms." Forced to meet his eyes, wet hair dripping, she stammered, "I want my own space, in case you... in case..." Her pale face flamed crimson as words failed. His subtle smile and rain-slicked hair radiated raw magnetism. "In case I want you, I come to your room?" His deep voice held dangerous promise. "Is that what you're trying to say?" .............................................................................. "Well, if there's a need, both of us should cooperate," Joycelyn murmured, her cheeks flushing pink. "Okay, let's go," Ellison said, his voice steady and sure. He turned and walked toward the elevator, Joycelyn trailing behind him, her heart pounding. As they stepped inside, Joycelyn kept her head down, her wet hair dripping onto the floor. She looked like a lost puppy, shivering and small behind his commanding presence. Despite his expensive suit being soaked and her broken suitcase in hand, Ellison maintained an air of calm composure as if nothing could ruffle him. Relief washed over her. He had pulled her out of despair, after all. No woman could resist being cared for in her darkest moments, even if they both had their own motives. "We're here," he announced as the elevator doors opened. He carried her suitcase out, glancing back at the girl, who still stood there, dazed. "Oh," she murmured, quickly following him. The villa was stunning, with cool gray tones that made the space feel crisp and refreshing, much like Ellison himself. Every detail was meticulously crafted, like a piece of art. She had never entered such a beautiful, spacious home before. "The guest room hasn't been used. I'll get you bedding from my room. Go take a shower and change your clothes," he said, handing the suitcase to her. His every word carried the authority of a superior. His voice was cool and commanding, brooking no argument. She didn't dare look at him, only nodding obediently. "Okay." She dragged the suitcase with its broken wheel into the guest room. The space boasted a new bed and sofa, far nicer than her small room at home. Clean and bright, it was several times larger than her previous space, with its own bathroom. She felt a flutter of excitement. Opening the suitcase, she froze. No wonder it felt so heavy—the broken case had let water seep in. All her clothes were soaked. She rummaged through everything, finding nothing wearable. "All wet?" he asked, looking at her suitcase. She bit her lip in frustration. "Yeah, I'll use a hairdryer later." "I'll get you something to wear," he said and left the room. She crouched on the floor, watching his soaked pant legs, her heart racing. Her skin felt hot enough to dry her wet clothes by body heat alone. As she gathered her clothes to wash, he returned with a black shirt. "Use my bathroom. There's no hot water or shower gel here," he said. She looked at the black shirt, lifting her wet face to reveal red, swollen eyes filled with timidity. She stood there gazing at him, clearly hesitating. "Don't catch a cold. I'll help wash your clothes," he said, tossing the shirt at her and scooping up everything from the suitcase. The strength difference between them was stark—she had struggled to lift them. Watching his wet figure, her face flushed deeper. Holding the black shirt, she hesitated but remembered his gentlemanly behavior. 'We're not even officially married yet,' she thought. 'He should still behave.' But she misjudged how men could be. Or perhaps Ellison misjudged his own limits. He put her clothes in the washing machine along with his shirt. Returning, he saw her cautiously moving toward his room. His clear eyes narrowed slightly. She entered the master bedroom in amazement. 'Money sure is good,' she thought. His bedroom alone was as big as a three-bedroom apartment. Unsure where the bathroom was, she stood there, dazed. Ellison approached from behind. As she pushed open the bathroom door, he wrapped an arm around her waist, lifting her inside. The door closed with a soft click. She stood there wet and sticky, looking up at him in shock. "What... what are you doing?" she stammered. The previously composed man was now shirtless, standing in the bathroom with her. "To avoid catching a cold, we'll shower together," he said calmly, making her blush deeply. "No, you go first. I'll wait," she struggled to escape. Ellison, seeing her embarrassment, let go but lifted her onto the counter, standing close. "Embarrassed?" he asked. "No." She shook her head, water dripping from her hair onto her pale face, making her look soft and vulnerable. He cupped her face. "You bit and scratched me yesterday. Today, you'll wash me as punishment. Fair, right?" His deep voice in the quiet bathroom was mesmerizing. She blushed deeply, her eyes flickering over his bare chest. He had a perfect body, tall and well-built. Rainwater dripped from his hair, tracing the contours of his muscular frame, down his throat, and across his broad chest. She saw the bite mark she had left in retaliation for the pain he had caused her. Perhaps it was the first time she had seen a man so closely. She couldn't look away, her eyes lingering on his wet, defined abs, remembering the feel of his hard muscles. Her body grew hot. He took in her every expression. "Don't I look better without clothes? Hmm?" She covered her face with embarrassment. "I don't want to answer that." He carried her under the shower, the warm water making her already hot skin even hotter. He guided her hand to his pants. "Help me take them off."		Novel Yang Booming		113	https://www.facebook.com/100077426966140/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731663	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 10:09 PM	1740993489	1746846543		2747																										page.joyreadland.com	Learn more			IMAGE	👉😍《Reborn to My Engagement Night》Join our reading community now!😍		https://page.joyreadland.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7639&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3901&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120216214760830490&ori_adset_id=120216214768770490&ori_ad_id=120216214781940490			1.0607726224053E+14	The novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481656078_932015978761843_5322730828792325963_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Wr6bMMNWBIIQ7kNvgGZGnM8&_nc_oc=AdhnYSkqgZaqpSzdF2sqvbfk8kCljE7dyvMjxIis4C5jNzn3lv_vR5X9rOd4C9rYT6ITYnJnf6pm_QPU-yUe4_R3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDgqC78vvxdCpP2O-zWg8FOOlkICfNf_8ImyJrIb_vt6Q&oe=67CB348A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 Poison The prison was chillingly cold, filled with a strong stench of blood. “Why...” Madelyn was painfully curled up on the ground, the oversized prison garb enveloping her and accentuating her frail, emaciated body. A violent coughing fit racked her body, and blood gushed out of her mouth. The pain was unbearable. It felt as though ten thousand knives were churning in her stomach, causing such intense pain that her vision started to darken. The poison was terrifyingly potent, even piercing her guts. “Why... Why are you treating me like this?” Madelyn mustered all her strength to lift her head, her eyes filled with deep-seated hatred as she stared at the prisoner before her. “Hehe, are you asking why I poisoned your food?” The prisoner laughed cruelly, looking down at the woman kneeling on the ground with a mix of disdain and pity. “Someone paid me to kill you. Your very existence stands in the way of her happiness!” “Who?” Madelyn braced her stomach with her knee, struggling to maintain a shred of consciousness. “Fine, since you're already on the brink of death, I'll tell you who it is so you can rest in peace. Aren't you going to marry Mr. Lockhart? That's why she doesn't want you around! Once you're gone, they can be together...” The excruciating pain coursed through her body, engulfing her nerve endings in torment. Despite the agony, a woman's face flashed through her mind, albeit fleetingly. It's her! It's Janessa, that despicable woman! I can't believe she actually stooped so low! Madelyn cried out in agony, her tear-filled eyes reflecting an overwhelming sense of regret and remorse. Janessa, once her closest and dearest friend, had meticulously plotted against her, causing her to be incarcerated. It was because of that woman, she had given up the best man in the world. That handsome man once pampered and doted on Madelyn, but due to Janessa's instigation, Madelyn used every trick in the book to make him despise her and push him away from her. Only then did Madelyn realize she had been manipulated by Janessa. I'm such a fool. I ended up being imprisoned, and now, I'm even losing my life. But it's too late for regrets... I'm no longer worthy of him. She spewed out yet another mouthful of blood. Lying in a pool of crimson blood, she gazed upon the darkness that enveloped the room through tear-filled eyes. She could no longer feel the gut-wrenching pain. Only profound regret engulfed her, so intense that even death couldn't erase it. Seeing her in such a state, the prisoner couldn't help sighing in pity. He stepped forward, gently brushing his fingers over her eyes. The next second, her eyes, wide with anger and filled with hatred, were shut. All that remained was a beautiful face devoid of any vitality. Once again, the prisoner sighed lamentably, then rose to his feet and left. All that was left was the pungent smell of blood filling the room. Pain and resentment intertwined, gradually engulfing Madelyn from head to toe like a rising tide. Shuddering, Madelyn let out a yelp. She found herself submerged in an abyss of suffering, utterly overwhelmed. Before she could muster a response, a strange sensation surged through her body, shattering her thoughts and consciousness once more. The man's seductively deep voice, coupled with palpable pain, evoked a sense of familiarity that left her feeling bewildered. Before she had a chance to ponder, the man's domineering actions to claim her interrupted her train of thought. After what felt like an eternity, Madelyn opened her eyes laboriously, only to be stunned by the sight before her. The pristine yet plain, boring furnishings were exactly the same as those in the hotel she spent the night in seven years ago. She incredulously turned her head to look at the person beside her. The man's distinctive features loomed before her. His thin lips bore the mark of a harsh bite, the wound scabbing over with a dark red tint. A subtle trace of a smile played at the corner of his lips as he slept. Madelyn covered her mouth, muffling the uncontrollable sobs that threatened to escape. It's Sebastian! It's really him! To her surprise, she found herself transported back seven years, to the night she had become engaged to him and, ultimately, slept with him. That evening remained deeply etched in her memory, not solely because it was the night she lost her virginity, but also because her family pressured her into marrying Sebastian, to which she adamantly rejected. Rumors had it that Sebastian was not only a formidable figure in both sides of the law, but also a hot-tempered man with a tendency toward cruelty. She was terrified, so she vehemently opposed the arranged marriage between their families. She even once suspected that her father and stepmother harbored ill intentions, intending to throw her into hell. That night, she didn't want to be touched by Sebastian. In her desperation, she blurted out that she was in love with Christopher Gale and even declared that she wanted to save herself for him. She vividly recalled how those very words had sparked Sebastian's fury, causing him to forcefully claim her. After that night, she was even more convinced that the heir of the Lockhart family was indeed as terrifying as the rumors suggested. It was only later that she realized, the man she had pegged as cold-hearted was actually the man who loved her the most in this world. However, she had squandered all his affection for her. She was filled with regret. But now, she had been reborn. Madelyn sobbed with joy, tears flowing uncontrollably. Her trembling fingers gently brushed over the man's injured lip. Since fate had granted her a second chance at life, she vowed to reclaim everything that was rightfully hers, including this man. She wouldn't make the same foolish mistakes again, let alone allow herself to be played like a fiddle by Janessa, the woman who had killed her. Madelyn gently moved closer to the man, her trembling lips kissing the corner of his mouth. Knock! Knock! A flurry of rapid knocks echoed from the door. Taken aback, Madelyn froze, her gaze fixed on the source of the sound. If my memory serves me right, Janessa should be outside the door. She's here. Chapter 2 What Is Wrong Madelyn narrowed her eyes, scenes from the past playing out in her mind like a movie. Every word that Janessa had uttered in her previous life was etched in her heart. That woman was unscrupulous, doing anything she could to trick Madelyn. As a result, Madelyn was led astray, even believing that marrying Sebastian was akin to stepping into hell. Janessa had told her that the man who loved her the most was Christopher and that she would only find true happiness with him. That was how Janessa gradually persuaded her to walk straight into a trap, causing her to be doomed eternally. Looking back, Madelyn found herself ridiculous. Back then, she was foolish enough to believe everything Janessa said, even convincing herself that she was truly in love with Christopher. As a result, she went out of her way to oppose Sebastian, striving to distance herself from him. In the end, she became the talk of the town and was widely criticized for being promiscuous. Madelyn closed her eyes, tears of regret streaking down her face. Having recognized the true nature of Janessa, she was determined to prevent history from repeating itself. There's no way I'm going to let Janessa have her way again! Madelyn rose from the bed, slipping into her bathrobe. She paused for a few moments, her hand gripping the doorknob before finally turning it open. Janessa breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly grabbed onto Madelyn's arm, exclaiming, “You finally opened the door. I thought something had happened to you. You really scared me to death.” Janessa stood on tiptoes to peek into the room and asked with a tone of reproach, almost like she was interrogating Madelyn. “Madelyn, I thought we agreed on this. Did you not sneak out last night? Why did you end up spending the night in the room? Did... Did Mr. Lockhart do anything to you?” Janessa scrutinized Madelyn intently, her gaze piercingly sharp, as if trying to see through her. Madelyn cast her eyes down, her fingers tightly clenched, striving to keep her emotions under control. How could I possibly forget what Janessa persuaded me to do? Last night was the night of her engagement to Sebastian. As all the elders were present, Madelyn had no choice but to follow Sebastian into the room. At that time, Janessa immediately sent her a text message, urging her to devise a plan to get Sebastian drunk and find an opportunity to slip away in the middle of the night. However, Janessa was left disappointed. Madelyn scoffed inwardly. She had indeed acted according to Janessa's suggestions the previous night. Unfortunately, Sebastian's tolerance for alcohol was frighteningly high, and he had even seen through her tricks. Madelyn had decided not to explain any further. Having experienced death, Madelyn discerned Janessa's feelings for Sebastian. It's pretty obvious, actually. How was I foolish enough to be blinded in the past? Madelyn couldn't help but mock herself inwardly. Swiftly, she collected her thoughts and responded nonchalantly, “Oh, I accidentally fell asleep last night.” Janessa panicked. “You feel asleep? How did you just fall asleep like that? What about Mr. Lockhart? Were you two together last night?” Clenching her jaw, Janessa was frustrated. She had been waiting for Madelyn all night, but the latter did not emerge from the room. This made her feel uneasy, which was why she couldn't resist rushing over to knock on their door first thing in the morning. “Yes, we are together. Last night was our engagement night. There's nothing wrong with him and I being alone in the same room, right?” Madelyn stared at her. Caught off guard by the question, Janessa couldn't shake off the feeling Madelyn was hinting at something. Even her gaze seemed to carry a sharp edge. “Madelyn, what are you talking about? That's not what I meant...” Janessa's voice trailed off. Her attention was instantly drawn to the love bite on the back of Madelyn's neck. Narrowing her eyes, she exclaimed in shock, “Madelyn, what's that on your neck? Is that...” Madelyn reached up to touch her neck and tried covering the hickey with her hair, feigning anxiousness. Lowering her gaze, she fell silent. Just as Janessa was about to press for more details, she saw a tall and slender emerge from the room. It was none other than Sebastian. He was clad in a black suit, exuding an imposing aura. “Mr. Lockhart...” Janessa murmured, her gaze revealing a hint of admiration and love she couldn't hide. Sebastian merely gave her a cold glance, nodded slightly, and then, without a word of greeting, walked past the two of them. Madelyn wanted to call out to him, but she hadn't changed her clothes yet, so all she could do was watch him walk away. Oh, well. I'll deal with Janess first. Reluctantly, she pulled her gaze away and looked at Janessa, who was gazing at the man's retreating figure longingly. The flames of passion ablaze in her eyes grew more intense, and her jealousy burst forth. What she had been worried about had indeed happened last night. She narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists, but as she turned around, she regained her composure. As she spoke, however, her tone was tinged with indignation, as if she was upset on behalf of Madelyn. “Madelyn, I can't believe he had the nerve to force himself on you. That's just too much... I feel so bad for you. We must do something about it, or things will only become worse for you!” Madelyn looked at Janessa's pretentious demeanor and scoffed internally. “Oh? So...how exactly do you plan to help me?” Janessa blurted out, “Of course, you need to break off the engagement. Madelyn, you need to find an opportunity to end the marriage! Only then can you be truly free to pursue your own happiness! Don't you like Christopher?” Madelyn sneered inwardly yet again, but she concealed her thoughts. “I do, but as you know, the elders from both the Lockhart and Thornton families won't allow it.” “No worries. I can help you figure out another solution!” Observing Janessa's eager demeanor, Madelyn really wished she could tear off her hypocritical mask right then and there. However, it just wasn't the right time yet. “Let's talk about this later. I'm going to change my clothes now. Wait for me.” With that, Madelyn closed the door. Janessa stood rooted to the spot. She was aware that something about Madelyn seemed different. Yet, she couldn't quite pinpoint what exactly had changed. All she was certain of was that, following that night, Madelyn seemed off. As Madelyn changed in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but let out a smirk of derision. Janessa toyed with me in my past life. This time around, let's see how the tables will turn. Fifteen minutes later, Madelyn arrived at the hotel lobby. Janessa swiftly waved at Madelyn and trotted over to link arms with her, pretending to be the best of friends with her. “Let's go shopping, Madelyn. I saw a beautiful dress in a boutique a few days ago. I really want it... Madelyn, you've always thought I have good taste, haven't you?” Madelyn flashed a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She knew all too well that Janessa was once again expecting her to foot the bill. This was exactly what had happened in her previous life, where she was practically Janessa's personal ATM. Nevertheless, after everything she had experienced, she would no longer be foolish enough to let Janessa manipulate her. With a weary expression, Madelyn looked at Janessa. “I'm sorry, but I'll pass. I'm a bit tired from last night and I'm not really up for anything, so I think I'll head home and rest first.” Janessa's expression froze. She didn't expect Madelyn to turn her down, and once she registered what Madelyn was talking about, her features almost contorted. “Oh, how could I forget about that? Of course you'll be tired after what happened last night. Be careful on your way then,” Janessa said with an awkward smile. Madelyn paid her no heed. As she hailed a cab to leave, she distinctly felt a malevolent gaze boring into her from behind. In the car, Madelyn massaged her temples. As she began to relax, she thought of Sebastian. In her past life, he began keeping his distance from her after what transpired the previous night. He had never even set foot in the marital home prepared by both of their families. In her previous life, she had broken his heart. Hence, in this life, she was determined to win him back. I must succeed. Chapter 3 Dream On Madelyn glanced at her phone to check the time, speculating that Sebastian should be at the office by now. Making up her mind, Madelyn asked the driver to turn around. A few minutes later, she found herself standing in front of Lockhart Group's building. Glancing up at the towering skyscraper, Madelyn couldn't help but squint as the sunlight hit the glass exterior of the building, refracting a dazzling light. Sebastian was in the CEO's office, located at the very top floor. Madelyn entered the grand hall, heading straight for the exclusive elevator reserved for a privileged few. Those in the hall recognized her identity and didn't dare to stop her. She made her way straight to the top floor. Upon reaching the assistant's office, Sebastian's assistant Malcolm Schultz was taken aback upon seeing Madelyn. “Ms. Thornton... No, I should address you as Mrs. Lockhart now. How come you're here, Mrs. Lockhart?” Malcolm rose, so surprised that he stammered. In the past, Madelyn never deigned to set foot in Lockhart Group, a sentiment that she had once verbally expressed. Every time she visited, chaos would ensue in the company, and Malcolm was always the one who had to clean up the mess and bear the brunt of Sebastian's anger. Therefore, he was afraid of Madelyn. Madelyn evidently remembered the horrible things she used to do. In fact, Malcolm had been nice to her in her previous life. He had even defended her because of Sebastian. However, she had harbored a deep aversion toward Malcolm. Looking back, she was filled with regret. Hence, her attitude changed for the better, and she asked gently, “Is Sebastian around?” Malcolm was clearly taken aback, seemingly unaccustomed to the change in her demeanor. Furthermore, she used to call Sebastian by his full name, never as intimate as she did now. Nevertheless, he responded truthfully, “Mr. Lockhart is in a meeting.” Madelyn nodded. “I'll go in and wait for him then. You carry on with your work.” After speaking, she headed straight for the CEO's office. Malcolm was stunned. For a moment, he almost questioned if Madelyn had gone mad. However, he quickly regained his composure and busied himself catering to Madelyn's every need, serving her tea and attending to her diligently. He was afraid that if she got upset, she might cause trouble again. Three hours later, after finishing his meeting, Sebastian returned to the top floor. Noticing the complicated look on Malcolm's face, he frowned and pushed the door open. Madelyn was lounging comfortably on the guest couch, flipping through a magazine in her hand. Sebastian's frown deepened, and his tone was icy cold when he spoke. “Why are you here? What do you want?” Upon hearing that, Madelyn put down the magazine she was holding and sat upright. As soon as her gaze met Sebastian's, she couldn't look away. He stood tall and sturdy, and his well-tailored suit highlighted his outstanding physique. His features were distinct, his lips thin and tightly pursed as his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Even the displeased look on his face was incredibly pleasing to the eye. Madelyn instinctively ignored the imposing icy aura that surrounded him. This man is so attractive. To say his looks could captivate the whole world wouldn't be an exaggeration. Madelyn couldn't help but berate herself in silence. Had I been blind back then? Why on earth did I let such a good man go? I was such a fool! “Do I need a reason to visit? It's almost noon. Let's go grab some lunch together.” With a playful smile curling the corners of her lips, Madelyn snuggled up to the man beside her. Her face, filled with smiles, drew closer. Seeing her act so out of character, Sebastian furrowed his brows and scoffed coldly. “What now? Concocting some scheme to break off our engagement? Let me tell you, it's too late for that! I advise you to give up on that idea immediately!” The icy tone carried an undeniable authority, which left Madelyn momentarily stunned. He's so indifferent! But I can only blame my past self for being too much of a nuisance. It's no wonder he'd think like that and say such things. Madelyn didn't get upset. Still wearing a smile, she took a few steps forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him. “Don't forget what you just said. I'll take your word for it. So, are you going to join me for lunch? If not, I guess I'll ask Christopher out instead.” Sebastian's face fell, and a hint of hostility could be discerned in his expression. Madelyn shuddered in fear upon noticing that. However, her purpose for going to the company was Sebastian. Having already resorted to provocation, there was no reason for her to give up halfway. Moreover, she had indeed been causing a lot of trouble and had multiple tricks up her sleeve in the past, so it was understandable that Sebastian was on his guard. Hence, she had to take it slow and start by getting close to him, No matter the approach, she must bridge the gap between them and build a close relationship with him. With that in mind, Madelyn had no choice but to continue clinging to the man's neck, waiting for his response. Sebastian narrowed his eyes, giving her a cold stare. He couldn't comprehend what game this woman was playing. After a moment, he pried Madelyn's arms off him, turned around, and grabbed the car keys from his desk. Walking out first, he asked, “What do you feel like eating?” Madelyn's smile widened when he agreed. She quickly caught up to him and took his hand. “I'm not sure. How about you choose for me?” Sebastian pursed his thin lips and shook her hand off without a word. Madelyn pouted, noticing that Malcolm was standing by the door. An idea popped up in her mind, and in the next instant, she turned and linked arms with Malcolm. Sebastian observed with an expression. Before Malcolm could even react, Sebastian had grabbed Madelyn's hand and placed it back on his arm. Madelyn chuckled to herself. He might seem aloof, but he still cares about me. I believe I'll be able to win his heart someday! Malcolm froze as he observed the couple's interaction. It took him a long while to regain his composure and take note of the love in the air. For a moment, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, for everything was just too surreal. In the past, Madelyn would never get close to Sebastian. Has she lost her mind today? Chapter 4 The Madelyn In The Past The sun was blazing. When the black Rolls-Royce came to a halt, Madelyn eagerly climbed out of the car and went into a nearby restaurant, dragging the man behind her. It was a Clusian restaurant she had gone to before. Although she had only been there once, the authenticity of its dishes had left a lasting impression. The local cuisine was particularly notable for its genuine flavors. When ordering the food, Madelyn handed the menu to Sebastian, who was sitting across from her. “You can choose. I have difficulty making decisions.” Sebastian nonchalantly chose around seven to eight dishes. The dishes were soon served. Madelyn picked up her fork and began to savor the food, but after only a few bites, she was shocked. Every dish he ordered was her favorite. Her heart skipped a beat, and she was nearly brought to tears. She was surprised that Sebastian even remembered all her favorite foods. But I don't know his preferences at all! How I wish I could slap myself! Seeing that she had stopped eating, Sebastian tasted the food and asked, “Why did you stop eating? Is it not to your liking?” Madelyn sniffled, responding in a soft voice, “No. It's delicious.” She immediately began digging in, albeit distractedly. Her gaze was fixated on the man across from her. Sebastian quickly grew uncomfortable under her gaze. Setting down his fork, he frowned and inquired, “Come on, spill it. What are you really up to? Have you decided playing hardball won't work, so you're trying a roundabout approach instead?” Madelyn was left speechless by the question. I'm just trying to figure out what are his favorite foods. However, she didn't voice these thoughts. After all, his skepticism stemmed from her own misbehavior. Even if she did tell him the truth, he wouldn't have believed her. Madelyn didn't respond directly. Instead, she changed the topic and said calmly, “I'm planning to return to Lockhart Villa tonight. Would you... like to come back with me?” It was Sebastian's turn to be shocked. He clearly hadn't expected her to say such a thing. From what he knew about Madelyn, she would have stayed as far away from Lockhart Villa as possible. Yet, now, she was the one inviting him to return to Lockhart Villa. After much deliberation, Sebastian finally concluded that she indeed had ulterior motives. He stood up abruptly, his tone cold. “No matter what you're planning, you won't succeed! Because I will never agree!” With that, he turned and walked away. His tall figure disappeared at the door. Madelyn couldn't help but sigh. Looks like I'm too eager. That was too abrupt. I'll have to take things one step at a time. After dinner, Madelyn returned to Lockhart Villa. It felt like an eternity since she last returned to Lockhart Villa after dying once. However, everything that had happened in the past was still vivid in sight. Upon entering the villa, she nodded at the butler, Lydia, with a friendly smile. Lydia stood frozen in shock upon seeing Madelyn. Madelyn merely smiled without saying a word upon seeing how astonished Lydia was. She then ascended the stairs. Pushing open the bedroom door, Madelyn felt a warm sensation filling her heart as she looked around at the familiar setup and decorations in the room. The room was decorated according to her preferences, almost replicating everything from her bedroom in the Thornton residence. Apparently, Sebastian put a lot of thought into arranging this bedroom. However, she had been too unappreciative in the past. Madelyn was in the midst of reminiscing when her phone began to ring. She picked it up and saw that the incoming call was from Janessa. She answered the call, and a gentle, alluring voice came through. “Madelyn, where are you right now?” Madelyn didn't hide the truth. “I'm at Lockhart Villa.” Janessa was silent for a couple of seconds before speaking again, her voice noticeably sharper. “Why on earth did you go back there? What are you thinking?” Madelyn sneered, her voice steady as she replied, “This is my marital home. It's only natural for me to return. Besides, I can't really go back home now. Knowing my father's temper, even if I did return, he'd just send me back here.” Janessa tightened her grip on her phone. She was almost certain that something was definitely off with Madelyn. Once she returns to Lockhart Villa, she'll have more opportunities to spend time with Sebastian. That's the last thing I want to see. I will not allow that! Janessa's gaze hardened as she tightly gripped her phone, saying, “Well, of course. You misunderstood me. That's not what I meant. The reason I called is just to let you know that there's a class reunion tomorrow, and Christopher will be there, too.” Madelyn couldn't help scoffing. Janessa's just way too nervous. If I remember correctly, Janessa set me up after I had a few drinks during the alumni gathering in my previous life. I don't know what came over me back then, but I ended up in a hotel room with Christopher. To make matters worse, we were caught in the act by Sebastian. The incident escalated to the point where even the Thorntons and Lockharts became aware of it. Things turned ugly, and ultimately, the elders intervened to suppress the situation. Madelyn scoffed inwardly. She's trying to use the same old trick again, huh? She has no idea that the past Madelyn, who used to be at her beck and call, has already died. Since that's what she wants to do, I'll happily play along. Chapter 5 Never Let Him Down The following afternoon, Madelyn pushed open the door to her walk-in closet, intending to pick out an appropriate outfit to wear to the class reunion dinner. The moment she opened it, she was stunned to see a wide variety of clothes of all shapes, colors, and styles. The walk-in closet was filled to the brim with haute couture, all imported from abroad. Sebastian had personally instructed designers to prepare these for her. Yet, in her previous life, she did not appreciate his efforts and didn't even bother sparing these exquisite pieces a glance. Only then did she realize these clothes were all of her favorite styles and were incredibly flattering to her figure. Knocks sounded at the door, and Lydia arrived carrying a tray of snacks. She set down the tray, noticing Madelyn was picking out clothes. Despite her surprise, an amicable smile still spread across her face. She could sense that Madelyn had changed. Upon seeing Lydia, Madelyn seized the opportunity to ask her, “Lydia, did Sebastian have someone send these clothes?” Lydia chuckled. She had always been fond of Madelyn, and since the latter was behaving surprisingly amiable and cheerful today, she told her the truth. “Yes. Mr. Lockhart personally selected all these designs. He didn't want me to tell you, probably worried that you might not like them and his efforts would go down the drain. But, I think you must already know Mr. Lockhart's feelings,” she said, laughing softly. Madelyn cast her gaze downward, sighing inwardly. It's just as I expected. I must have been out of my mind back then, mistaking sincerity for pretense and pushing away those who truly care about me. Such a wonderful man was right by my side. How could I have missed it? Luckily, I've come back to life. I won't miss out again in this lifetime. I will never let him down. After spending a long time deciding, Madelyn settled on an elegant yet stunning dress. She held it up against herself, gauging how she might look in it. Turning to Lydia, she asked, “What do you think? Is it nice?” Lydia smiled. “With a face as stunning as yours, you'd look beautiful in anything.” Madelyn was embarrassed. “You flatter me, Lydia.” Lydia took a few steps inside and opened a wardrobe. “Mrs. Lockhart, there are high heels and designer handbags in here that match the dress. There's also quite a bit of jewelry. Feel free to wear whatever you like.” As she spoke, she eagerly brought out several jewelry boxes, presenting them to Madelyn. Madelyn felt moved and said gratefully, “Thanks, Lydia.” With a bright smile, Lydia responded, “If Mr. Lockhart sees you wearing the clothes he has prepared, he will be delighted.” Madelyn pondered for a moment before swiftly slipping into the light purple dress she had selected, admiring her reflection in the full-length mirror. Handing her phone to Lydia, she flashed a charming smile and said, “Could you take a full-body picture of me, please?” Before the camera, Madelyn donned a graceful yet endearing smile, her clear, captivating eyes possessing the power to effortlessly captivate hearts. After the photo was taken, Madelyn immediately sent it to Sebastian and texted him, asking: How do I look? She waited for a while without receiving a response, but she didn't mind, assuming he was busy. Madelyn was halfway through applying light makeup before the mirror when Janessa's call came through again. “Madelyn, are you getting ready? It's just a simple class reunion. You don't need to dress up too much. Just wear your usual attire. I just wanted to remind you that the gathering is about to start soon. Remember to arrive on time.” Madelyn listened to her in silence, not responding to a single word she said, and then hung up the phone. She began sneering inwardly from the moment she answered that phone call, for Janessa had also said the same exact words in her previous life. However, when she reached the venue back then, she saw Janessa all dolled up, stealing the spotlight. As for Madelyn, standing next to Janessa, seemed dull and unremarkable in contrast. Today, I'm not going to listen to her. When Madelyn left the house, she made her way to Sebastian's garage and selected a sleek, cool-looking Porsche sports car. She drove all the way to the exclusive club. Upstairs, within the private room, people were clinking their glasses clinked and exchanging toasts. When Madelyn walked in, she immediately sensed everyone's gaze shifting toward her. They were all in awe. Her classmates didn't recognize her and were all busy guessing who she was. With a faint smile gracing her lips, Madelyn spoke. “I apologize for being late.” “Is that you, Madelyn? You look absolutely stunning today!” someone exclaimed in surprise. Everyone was taken aback. Though they all knew Madelyn was pretty, she had never put much effort into her appearance before. In fact, she was often a bit unkempt, and her outfits could best be described as eccentric. However, no one expected her to be drop-dead gorgeous once she made an effort to dress up. She was draped in the softest lilac gown, its delicate hue accentuating her flawless figure. The elegant length of her neck, the low cut of her dress revealing a generous expanse of smooth, alabaster skin, the graceful curve of her chest, her slender waist, and the hint of her long legs—all combined to captivate the onlookers. Her features exuded natural elegance, enhanced by a touch of light makeup, rendering her even more charming and captivating. Whether it was her gentle smile or a subtle shift of her body, she epitomized grace, her light purple gown adding to her ethereal presence. Among the myriad of astonished gazes, one stood out—a stare brimming with jealousy. Janessa downed a gulp of wine. She had been basking in the glow of others' compliments, having worn a costly designer dress specifically for this gathering. However, the moment Madelyn made her appearance, she outshone everyone else, and just like that, Janessa's spotlight was stolen away. The room was abuzz with chatter; all singing praises for Madelyn. Even the women who were originally surrounding Janessa were drawn to Madelyn. “Madelyn, you looked stunning today. This dress looks perfect on you! It must have been quite expensive, right?” “Yeah! May I touch it?” “Wow, this fabric feels so comfortable! And it's gorgeous, too!” “Madelyn, so many men would've fallen for you if you had dressed up before this!” Madelyn nodded at every one of them as a greeting. She then picked up a glass of champagne and delicately took a sip. Thinking back to how she used to dress herself, she found it amusing. I must have been crazy to have believed what Janessa had said. She remembered distinctly that Janessa had told her that Christopher preferred the unconventional, advising her to dress according to his tastes. Back then, she had been surprised by Christopher's kinky preferences of favoring women in heavy metal attire. Only then did she realize that was all part of Janessa's deceptive scheme. Madelyn looked up once again, only to find Christopher was also present at the scene. He fixed his gaze on her, unable to conceal the admiration in his eyes. At that moment, Janessa approached with a frown and asked, “Why are you dressed like this? It's a bit too formal, don't you think?” Madelyn smiled. “Didn't you ask me to dress simply? It's such a hassle to wear those heavy metal clothes I usually wear.” Wearing a stiff expression, Janessa let out an awkward laugh. “No, that's not what I meant. You look great in this outfit, Madelyn. I've been waiting for you for a while. Come on, I've saved a spot for you.” Madelyn glanced over, noting the still unoccupied seat right next to Christopher.		The novel		20947	https://www.facebook.com/100085523883301/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731583	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/9/25, 10:18 PM	1740993487	1746847112		2747																										www.wsxedconline.com	Learn more			VIDEO	💥👉ONLY on GoodShort TV！		https://www.wsxedconline.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18669&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			1.5306032789706E+14	Short Drama Channel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480929541_665205442850890_1827373949547191931_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=11H3Xu7OeLUQ7kNvgHVYKTT&_nc_oc=AdhRPYL1rUuLZh9ESbW4k4Tg99SA_bZiXdiww8Ds8rP5cPhztHBX3sU6VL9PU5GvVNU9PxNV-oUPG0NwgYe4Srx8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYCr4hXj22MEnw0TutdBOCm-unp-wOKlN0cDnEvkw-xtEw&oe=67CB5124	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥⏳Her adopted sister stole everything from her—her family, her fiancé, her life. She was even murdered by hired thugs. But fate gave her a second chance. This time, she vowed to make everyone who wronged her pay the price they truly deserve! #GoodShort		Short Drama Channel		142011	https://www.facebook.com/61553285674756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731832	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 1:28 AM	1740993492	1746858501		2747																										secure.shoporthopedicsusa.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Recommended by Orthopedic Specialists & Chiropractors	Whether it’s arthritis, injury, or swelling, this advanced knee brace is your solution to lasting relief. Get 60% off!	https://secure.shoporthopedicsusa.com/how%20to%20fix%20wrist%20pain/landing-page-1738671481131666			5.6624391989517E+14	Orthopedics USA	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481242521_1744124463113988_7459986921101883826_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i49kTD7qeEAQ7kNvgH_U9sX&_nc_oc=AdjeXPtG71eZxfp4f_ruvpaIvn9YAxTea28EHPcDIMfmdW9nYGMSMsN8fzoIfI5BPdoTLyibQ11vZdwzIV-B2X7S&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYABEgW8qub9Z9aOQ7wxEKPBpqvbowib2wU86j9p-5JMGA&oe=67CB3DD6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with wrist pain or carpal tunnel symptoms? Discover a non-invasive approach that’s transforming lives. The Ortho Wrist Pro combines gentle compression, heat therapy, and EMS to target discomfort at its source—no surgery required.		Orthopedics USA		690	https://www.facebook.com/61571625785012/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731561	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 1:33 AM	1740993486	1746858831		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480810424_1189704875873119_6121524042332772701_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=giifE1dPR0MQ7kNvgFB8N5B&_nc_oc=AdjOf1IWI4MCusENu9jGcnTotGChGh9EqSVD_KY8XAXcYETEwG7aX4Kn983N1idepMvsoR_YCixuwW1OjzHfx_zd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYCsQjaP6j5XBlvxbLHXkk5FQiihbf_zyTjkFMGyfvmuYA&oe=67CB4007	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731726	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 2:16 AM	1740993490	1746861405		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481813163_1320940435618020_2690193467562589486_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3k_sbTuCdXoQ7kNvgEuLX6L&_nc_oc=AdhMBIIXLDqrh9gjJe5_qBlJNFJhRk3CnEjGwzOAgkn3LzAdAx9InH3kzezX69GFQwvto4ooYZsTXsW5sHeAwLfw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQ22f8jttTXf6KOjCP2EnJH&oh=00_AYBbJMson4XyRSSFo7hxSHP09-QxQ8PAz1by9SKv1tmipw&oe=67CB585F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731773	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 5:09 AM	1740993491	1746871755		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218210890170082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481114710_987244953377065_5485595389901840294_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RgtW1pPYCBgQ7kNvgHWzAgz&_nc_oc=Adh6LjYKgI5IVO4gY0h3Nw9MygXY2OLpzkgWjNtLtVhUUAbvCNDbjKtmxx3wAiamIwAlJHEtgyUpdGzB-6rykL4p&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYAK-Jzydas3aX9rCKp2nNOXWeKLwR-oFZBhs2NcODy3PQ&oe=67CB344B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731581	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 7:44 PM	1740993487	1749775470		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👉👉Watch all episodes		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059511.html?language=en&timestamp=1740930109169&channelCode=DLLPF1059511&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481089605_1150603253231391_924111423226672683_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QsJPJmtR5DIQ7kNvgEXHsBh&_nc_oc=AdjcZfpw1yYR5M6j3U2bnyeopDzvKnSbaOiNHNvNgrVF4ccBVOwPAmWAMpiTKkJ-2B_Uo4N8HLvUJEtiD0I_o00D&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYBXkgfR8rlgAhFoGA7iV0Lipgvj-zTZDqBz0YMZxrGjig&oe=67CB3A74	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282185	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731549	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 3:09 AM	1740993486	1746864593		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480675259_638777759105276_7458667784278056865_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=AHwV2fROpZsQ7kNvgF2EX-O&_nc_oc=AdizYazB1LXVGBVXSUhphAt6pNOFARNAJNugL4zXJNgkXPj0Ws5c-ll96bY5L8IbbLOteFCOPQ7zLuPsil2iHY5E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYBESWrdaTxu-qDyG5unCyDvNASmHgsUELWcIjQ5Bis9mQ&oe=67CB5C00	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731876	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 8:52 PM	1740993493	1749779548		2747																										page.joyreadings.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Free reading with Title "Love at the Wrong Table"		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=4685&brand=2&app=0&ppid=1635&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120216838341150092&ori_adset_id=120216838342350092&ori_ad_id=120216838370480092			1.0607726224053E+14	The novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480959181_532985185970475_355766201600419269_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7wmMCvSHcDgQ7kNvgHGTAhR&_nc_oc=Adh39jQHTbNZuBC5P74z6saogfIx-B_Zcmtw57-WOcmuXWB4kx89JDCac07tg5jT9S3Yg9_ULI7qRXKRstNpyhoC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYA69pfzCT0ISzdgBKMEgGML9kplKcNOFujwAJn3vvFRrw&oe=67CB426D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him. ............................................................................................................................................................ “I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently. The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship. After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years. He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year. Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates. Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far. Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point. “Help! Someone help me!” Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help. The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet. After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish. It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?” “I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile. Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth. Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier. The café was massive and practically structured like a maze. Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area. The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals. The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven. Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze. A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room. It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself. The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her. The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker. When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure. Thump! Thump! Thump! When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest. Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life. The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all. Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse. Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her? More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table. She's my blind date? He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her. The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes. The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business? Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him. They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with. He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.” Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed. The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own. “Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.” Emmanuel was stunned. What is happening? He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags. Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless. Where's the catch? All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind. Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident. She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating. As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words. Urgh, forget it! Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar. He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.” It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath. Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary. A long while later, she burst into a chuckle. She had never met a man who could humor her so. “What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!” Pfft! Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger. An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?” “Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!” Huh? What is going on? Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?” “Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit. “Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!” Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape. That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight! Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards. Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café! He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!” The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation. While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life. Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind. Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group. Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman. Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild. That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead. Isn't that fate? Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.” She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man. Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless. Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!” Chapter 2 Failure After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area. Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience. Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold. Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet. Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities. Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile. “Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—” “Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!” After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face. The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet. Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset. “Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt. The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name. To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill. The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins. This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability... Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly. To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain. Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today? “Ah! Someone's been hit!” “Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!” Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground. Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators! Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin. “What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously. Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!” Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them. “How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money. The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her. “Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested. Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment. The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel. Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man. “Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?” Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines. At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold. Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs. The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg. “Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken. The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp. Goodness gracious! That man is daring! Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile. The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went. I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side! “What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked. When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him. By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them. “Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs. With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?” Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!” Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration. Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws. “Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!” The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved. “Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up. Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character! Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly. Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?” This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they? Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house. “Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was. “What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!” “What?” Emmanuel choked out. Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again? Chapter 3 Rags to Riches In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate. Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café. Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again! Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention. “If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!” Emmanuel's heart instantly sank. Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter? Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!” As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house! “Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!” By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience. Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced? Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot. She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home? “Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object. She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him. Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home! “Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said. That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!” “Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?” “No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding. I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year! Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!” Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents? Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!” Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage. “What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!” Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...” “Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back. He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters. “Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back. Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me! After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit. To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them. The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup. Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy? Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café? The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards. He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!” Needless to say, everyone was stunned. Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly. Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories? The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café? Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts. Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key. The total value of the items had to be at least ten million. For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of! Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock. Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum! If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway! After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm. “What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!” “Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole. As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?” “Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words. Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated. After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law! Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her. As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman! “Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car. He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead. Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently. “How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated. “W-What should I do now, then?” In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury. Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers? “What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested. Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!” “Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh. Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me? 👉To continue reading the story for free, download the app and search📚"Love at the Wrong Table". 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2731916	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 3:30 AM	1740993494	1746865857		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481212188_1932690140473042_145300454003770232_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yuEMCrJK7nwQ7kNvgEH5Rbw&_nc_oc=AdhDmIY0yuvkT-iHI1WzIBYGy1DMPxjS-wsxzt9YGJo76fHjwmnfCstcwVH0QBYEKNv_M_v7Noc6VhLi1QVwjg-a&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYB5elwT9l4y5DX3Cky88ZKr8bIKVak6AHnLfsgvn9OE5w&oe=67CB34BE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732135	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 8:15 PM	1740993499	1745975751		2747																										discovery.site	Learn more			VIDEO	Breakthrough alert: Lemon peel for tingling!	92% have no idea!…	https://journale.site/preneuro/			5.5020497818151E+14	Caroline Reed	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482005414_1607245466818215_7404335927775222469_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eAZZqZSxe0kQ7kNvgEezNFA&_nc_oc=AdiD61mPPc0aNPdF3iCXaBd0RkevIHNaxwgcpmmGejIuL6J9RZ5IE3nocj62az1WpzW1nqmSA9EH4_tu8jhyve0e&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ArX1BYvLu7IUt1I4yByIiox&oh=00_AYCeWIZGGrhfcdG7hdlxnVTtUk6Fhg136aH6ayEbfQ5f3A&oe=67CB2B9E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱😱 Ever wondered what's causing that relentless tingling in your hands and feet? And the worst part: how to finally ease that sharp, nagging discomfort? 🚨 The answer is simpler and more natural than you think! A groundbreaking trick is changing everything... And the best part: no expensive medications or invasive treatments required! 🍋✨ Discover the secret of the "Lemon Peel Trick" – the powerful trick that could transform your quality of life and give you the relief you’ve been searching for! ⚡ You won’t believe what happens when you try this simple technique. 👉 Click now to uncover this secret! Don’t waste any more time! Relief might be just one step away... Today!		Caroline Reed		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573801580912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731592	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 5:53 AM	1740993487	1746874387		2747																										b.chaptersapps.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/L0NoYXB0ZXJzLyR7bGlua0lkfS8xNzQwMzc1NTYxODEzL3BhZ2V3YmFqcQ==?adid={{ad.id}}			1.2210196709601E+17	Hut001	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481248673_1335695177470499_2617665933342950834_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uz8K3xkVv1kQ7kNvgGALUMw&_nc_oc=Adgjp-rb3Xdz-KqF7CEzXTQDOqdSlSEIHz4iAfEbkAwrRClZl7w4v3x7XF7cYrsIiSJ73lhvn5rjms5eV-lCS0Xd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYDhASk23e34M9IP_jJpyTsckR_R5t1QCP0-9TixSI4o1g&oe=67CB2C31	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. __________ I was covered in black and blue bruises and fresh cuts from that beating. But also bruises under the new bruises that were yet to heal. I was malnourished and didn't heal as fast as werewolves. But I was used to it. Ever since my mother died when I was 6 my father has been getting progressively worse until it finally got to this kind of abuse. Which was the worst kind. Where I could barely walk or even look at myself in the mirror. I had a quick shower because the water stung my skin too much and I washed my length snow blonde hair and I came out of the bathroom and walked into my wardrobe. I got dressed into a pair of black tights, a loose fitting shirt and a hoodie over the top. It was pretty much my signature look. When I was putting my books in my bag my bedroom door slammed open and I jumped almost to the ceiling because it scared me so badly. Dad was standing there and I was surprised that he was actually able to stand. "Hurry up. The pack breakfast is starting." He demanded still slurring his words. How was he going to explain that to the pack elders? This was going to be interesting. But I really didn't care. I grabbed my bag and went downstairs and we left our side of the packhouse and walked through long corridors together and when I couldn't keep up with dad's pace he grabbed my arm and dragged me along which only hurt my ribs even more. "Quit your complaining. What is the matter with you?" He snarled at me. I wasn't surprised that he didn't remember. He was too drunk to remember. But when we got to the main part of the pack house he made sure that his clothes were neat and his balding gray hair and goatee weren't disheveled and we walked into the large dining room where a lot of important pack members had breakfast every morning. Including the Alpha, his daughter Bella, the pack elders and other influential people around the pack. Like the doctor ect. There were several tables set out and a buffet where you could eat all you wanted. And I was practically drooling at the food as dad approached it and he piled one plate up with heaps of food and then gave me the second plate with only toast and a pancake on it. I found Bella sitting at a table by herself next to the window. She was the Alpha's second born and only daughter. And my best friend. We're the same age and we've known each other since we were in diapers. "I see you've brought the hoodie out again." Bella whispers as I try to sit down without drawing any attention to myself at how much pain I was in. We all know what it means when we see the hoodie - It's for covering the bruises. "I didn't realize that I ever put it away." I say. "Well, I'm glad that I don't have to wear mine today." She commented. "Yeah. Your dad has eased off of you. Is there a reason why?" I asked curiously and a little jealous. "Yep. Because my brother is coming home today." She beamed at me. And a huge smile spread across my face as well. "You're kidding. Ethan is finally coming home." I say. And she nods her head. I could tell that she was trying everything to hide her excitement. "I can't believe that. That's fantastic." I said. I noticed Bella looking around at the room but she didn't say anything. So I glanced around as well and when I did everyone quickly stopped looking at me. Dad tried to hide his evil side. But he wasn't fooling anyone. When he got drunk, he would always start fights with people and become unbearable. And he was getting drunk a lot more lately. People had an idea of what was going on in our apartment. But no one was willing to go up against the Beta. Because they all knew that the Alpha would be there to support him and they would be kicked out of the pack. Or worse. A lot of pack members lived in fear of our Alpha and Beta. It was a horrible way to live. But if they tried to leave then the Alpha would send warriors after them to kill them. He's done it more than once. The warriors were ordered to kill entire families that were fleeing. Which included children. That's what made this pack the strongest on the East Coast. Because no one was game enough to leave so it was a huge pack and all the warriors trained relentlessly. The only problem was that girls weren't allowed to train. We basically lived in the stone ages. The Alpha believed that she-wolves are only here to find their mates and produce pups for their mates to keep the pack going strong. It was barbaric and insulting. But he was the Alpha. His word was law. "How long do we need to stay here to be respectful? I hate everyone staring at me." I whisper to Bella. "Just a couple more minutes. Then we can leave for school." She whispers back. I then saw the head warrior Mason walk in with his two sidekicks Levi and Lockie trailing behind him and Mason's eyes set straight on me. They got themselves some food and then invited themselves to join me and Bella. Mason sat right next to me and moved his chair over so he could be closer to me, but I squirmed away from him as much as possible. He was big and good looking but he was a horrible person. And I knew that from first hand experience. He was the one that they always called to track down those families that ran away. And I know that he personally killed a child of those fleeing families. I wanted nothing to do with him. "I have exciting news for you Tessa." Mason says, looking at me. "And what is that?" I asked, exhaling while drinking a little coffee. "I have you're fathers blessing." He said slowly. And my head snapped towards him. "What?" I almost shouted and a few people looked our way before they went back to what they were talking about. And Mason was smirking at me. "As soon as you turn 18, I am taking you as my mate." He says. "And what about my true mate? My goddess given mate? What about him? He's out there somewhere." I say. "Who cares. He'll find someone else. Or he'll just wither and die after you reject him. I really don't care. But you will be mine. That's all I've wanted for years." He says lightly while playing with my hair. And I look at Bella pleading with my eyes. "Yeah. We have to get to school now. It was good seeing you Mason." Bella says standing up and I stood up as well. They stayed sitting at the table as us two grabbed our bags and left the dining hall as quickly as we could and we didn't even stop to say goodbye to anyone. Least of all our fathers. But we weren't that lucky. "You two will be home straight after school. We're having a party here tonight with a lot of visiting Alpha's." The Alpha shouted across the room. We both stopped and nodded to him before leaving the house. "I can't believe that your father promised you to that sack of prick." Bella yelled as we were walking down the road. "I can. My father knows his own kind." I say. "I am so sorry Tess. What are you going to do?" Bella asked sympathetically. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out. Even if I have to run away before it can happen. I will definitely do that." I declare. "Well, tell me before you do. I'm coming with you." She says. "Sounds like a plan." I say. And then a black BMW stopped right in our walkway and we stopped before we hit the car and we both stepped back not knowing what to expect right now. Then a 6 foot 4 man with short brown hair and cleanly shaved with muscles that looked like they were going to rip his shirt off his body got out of the driver's seat and smiled at both of us. "What? Don't I even get a hug?" He asked. "Ethan." Bella yelled, jumping into his arms. And the other door opened to reveal an equally big man with dirty blonde hair and a little facial hair got out of the passenger seat. That was Ethan's best friend Wyatt. When Bella finally let Ethan go he walked over to me and hugged me and I winced a little in pain but tried to hide it and then I hugged Wyatt. And I had to do the same thing. "Are you hurt?" Ethan asked. "Yeah. It was stupid. Rough housing with a couple of the warriors and this is what happened. I should know better." I lied through my teeth. "Girls aren't allowed to train. Why are you rough housing with warriors?" Wyatt asked. "I don't know. It seemed like a good idea at the time." I shrugged. " Come on Bells, we're gonna be late." I say. "We'll see you tonight." Bella says hugging Ethan again and we start walking off down the road again. But when I looked to the side I could see Ethan and Wyatt leaning against the side of their car watching us and talking about something. I was afraid that they didn't believe my rough housing with the warrior's excuse. "Bella. What would Ethan do if he found out about my dad?" I asked nervously. "You know Ethan as well as I do. What do you think he would do to your dad?" Bella responded confidently. "Just wait until he finds out that your dad gave you away to Mason. Ethan has always hated Mason. I don't think that mating will go through if Ethan is here. That's a good thing." Bella says. "Yeah. I'll take your word for it." I say skeptically. My father always had his way of getting his own way. No matter what it was. If he wanted me to mark and mate with Mason, then it was pretty much as good as done. When we got to school we walked inside and we went to Bella's locker first and then mine. Everyone obviously knew who we were but they kept their distance from us. Both of our fathers were known for being crazy. And no one wanted to mess with the Alpha or Beta's daughters. So we only had each other at school. Which was fine with us. The further we stayed away from people, the least likely they were to find out about what was actually happening in our house. When we got to our first class we sat at the back of the classroom as usual and I pulled out my notebook and pen and started scribbling on the page in front of me. When our geography teacher arrived and started the class I just sat there with my head on my hand scribbling in my book and barely paying attention. When I was 6 years old I woke up in the morning to my 26-year-old mother and my 48-year-old father screaming at each other in our old house. The one that we had before we moved to the packhouse. I stayed in bed for ages because I couldn't find the courage to get out of bed and go out there to see what was going on. I could hear things smashing and my mother screaming at my father. I then heard the slap that he gave my mother while yelling at her. And that's when I got out of bed. I opened my door and slowly crept down the hallway and stood at the kitchen doorway and my mother was on the floor holding her face and dad was standing over her. She saw me standing there and scrambled to her feet. "It's alright sweetie. I'm alright. Hey, why don't you go and get dressed and then you can go outside and play with Bella. How does that sound?" My mother asked, crouching down to my level. But I just shook my head and looked at my father before I turned back to my room and I closed the door. I started getting dressed but their fight wasn't over. I could still hear them screaming at each other and I was shaking while I was buttoning up my shirt. But I managed to get dressed and I walked back to the kitchen. My father was storming out the backdoor from what I could see and my mother was holding a rag to her bloody nose. "Why does daddy get so angry all the time?" I asked. "I don't know sweetie. He just does. Hey, are you all ready? I think Bella is alright outside. I saw her playing in the playground earlier. Why don't you go and find her while I clean up this mess and all the broken glass." Mummy says to me. "Okay mummy." I say. And I hugged her before I walked outside and Bella was still at the playground. I got on the swing next to her and she looked at me and then back to the house. "I could hear your daddy screaming from here." Bella says. But I just nod my head. She knew that meant that I didn't want to talk about it. " Do you wanna go and annoy Ethan. He's with his friends." She says. And I smile at that and shake my head. So we jumped off the swings and went running to find Ethan so we could annoy him. Something that we loved to do all the time. And it always cheered us up. I was snapped out of my thoughts by Bella nudging me so I looked at her and she pointed down at the picture that I was absent mindedly drawing. It was a big snarling wolf attacking a woman and child. I quickly changed the page and started paying attention to the class that we were in. Try to get my mind to concentrate on what needs to be done at school. The day went by pretty quickly and before we knew it, it was time to head home. But we always took our time before going home. We slowly went to our lockers to get our things and then we headed outside but we saw that same black BMW sitting out the front waiting for us. "Ethan. What are you doing here?" Bella asked. "I'm giving you guys a lift home." He responded with a beaming smile. "It's alright. We can walk. It's not that far." I say. "Too bad. Get in." Ethan ordered. So we got in his car and he actually took us into town instead of taking us home. "The Alpha told us to get home straight after school because of that party tonight." I told Ethan. "Don't worry. Dad and the Beta know that you girls are with me. I told them before I picked you guys up. Don't worry. You won't get in trouble." Ethan assured us. Ethan took us to an ice cream store downtown and took us inside. "You do know that we're not 10 years old anymore, right?" I asked Ethan. "I know. But I thought we could all sit down and talk." He says. "A coffee shop would have been better." I say sitting down. The other two got ice cream but I didn't order anything. "So Tessa, how are the ribs going?" Ethan asked. "Pretty good. I think they're just bruised. They'll be back to normal soon." I say. "Yeah. Thank goddess for werewolf healing." Ethan says. And I just smile at him. "So Bells, how has dad been since I left? Has he gotten any worse?" Ethan asked. "About the same, I guess." Bella says eating a bit of her ice cream and then she side eyed me. But unfortunately, Ethan managed to see us. But he didn't say anything about it. I had a really bad feeling that he only brought us here to fish for information. He was asking too many questions and I didn't really like it. So I kept quiet for most of that ice cream adventure and Bella and Ethan just kept talking like always. Like they were just talking about old times. When we got back to the packhouse Ethan said that he needed to go run some errands for his dad before the party so Bella and I went inside. Both of our dad's were sitting in the living room waiting for us and we knew that couldn't be good. "We are having people here in a few hours and you two have been out galavanting with Ethan." The Alpha says. "He picked us up from school. What did you want us to do? If we didn't go with him then he knew that something would have been up." I defended us while Bella sank back a little. She was never able to stand up against them. "Well, now you two have a lot of work to do, don't you. There's cooking that needs to be done and all the bedrooms in the packhouse need to be ready in case anyone decides to stay over." My father says. "I'll go and help Bella with the rooms and then I will get started in the kitchen." I say. "There's not enough time. Bella can clean the bedrooms. That means scrub the bathrooms, change the sheets, vacuum, everything. In every bedroom in this packhouse. And Tessa, you need to get started on appetizers, then the first course, then the second course, then the main course and then dessert." The Alpha ordered. "Yes sir." I say. I looked at Bella and we had to head in separate directions. I went to the kitchen and there was no one there. Hardly any omega's worked at the packhouse because the Alpha and dad made us two girls do everything. It was a wonder that we were even allowed to go to school most of the time. But I grabbed some ingredients out and I started making the main course because it would take hours to cook and then I got started on several different appetizers to give the guests some variety. While I was in the kitchen my father walked in and he lingered behind me and I could feel my whole body tense up but he stood behind me watching me. He didn't even try to move any closer to me. He was just intimidating me. That's all it was to him. A game. He thought it was funny. By the time everything was ready the omega's arrived because they had to serve the food and I went up the backstairs to our apartment and I went straight to my bedroom. I had a shower and I couldn't even bear to look at myself in the mirror this time, so I just had a quick shower and I got out and went to the wardrobe. I got dressed into a floor length gown with a white strapless bodice with a light pink floral lace over the top that also went over my shoulders to make the straps and black the skirt of it was plain black and black strappy high heels. I then brushed my length snow blonde hair and I put on a silver and diamond bracelet and matching earrings. But I kept my neck out, except for my hair hanging down. And then I started to walk downstairs. I made it to the main area of the house and I stopped at Bella's room just as she was coming out and she was looking a little nervous about this party. "Alright. Just relax and greet a few people. There's nothing to worry about. Once we do that then us two can sit at one of the tables in the ballroom and everyone else can do whatever it is that they do." I told her. "Alright. You know I hate these parties. Getting all dressed up. It's like our father's are putting us on display." She says. "That's exactly what they're doing. And they know it too. Come on, before they get pissed at us for being too long." I say hooking my arm around hers and we started walking down the hall. We walked down the staircase and off to the right was the living room but all the furniture had been cleared out of it and the rooms adjacent to it so people would walk around freely and talk and have a good time. And the main ballroom was set up for dancing while the dining room had been lined with four very long tables that could easily seat a couple hundred people. Walking to the living room was really nerve wracking but I made sure that I held my head high and people did look at us. "It's only because we are the hottest ones here. Just remember that." I whispered to Bella as I felt her tense up. And we continued walking into the room. Alpha's from other packs would come over and introduce themselves and of course we needed to be on our best behavior and represent the pack well and we were nice and polite to everyone and we would have light conversations with people. I noticed that there were older Alpha's with their teenage sons who were obviously learning the ropes to becoming Alpha's themselves and there were others in their 20's and 30's that were there with friends or even their Beta's. I wasn't sure. We had been at the party for about 20 minutes mingling when a familiar scent filled my nose and strong arms wrapped around my waist and I knew immediately that it was Mason. "Take note of the people that you like in this room sweetie. We can invite them to our wedding." Mason hissed in my ear while smelling the crook of my neck. I tried to unravel his arms from around my stomach because I was now in a lot of pain with the broken ribs but he wasn't letting go for anything. I didn't have the strength to get him to let go. All of a sudden there was a growl that ripped through the room and the band stopped playing and I heard something smash. Like it was a wooden chair or something. Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason. But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me. "Mine." He demanded. "Mine." The dangerous and menacing voice demanded in front of everyone in the room. All the Alpha's from nearby packs and even ones that have traveled long distances to be here. Mason finally loosened his grip around me and I noticed the woman standing next to that stranger with a horrified look on her face. She tried to grab his arm but he shook her off and marked towards Mason and me. I very subtly pushed Bella to the side away from where this man was coming for us. Just in case anything happened, she could be ready to duck and cover. "You are mistaken. Her father has already promised her hand to me in marriage. Once she turns 18 we will be marked and mated." Mason announced proudly and another menacing growl erupted from that man's throat. "You are not touching my mate." He growled out through gritted teeth. "He's your mate." Bella whispered. "Who are you?" I asked. "Tyler Lowe. Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack." He announced. And my mouth almost dropped open. They were a large pack. They were known for their strength. They were not to be messed with. I knew of their pack, but I had never met their Alpha and didn't know what his name was. "She is not your mate. She has been promised to me." Mason gritted out. This was going to get out of hand. Really quickly. But another man stood in and placed his hand on Tyler's shoulder. "My name is Cade. I am Tyler's Beta. And I'm sure you know young man that it is against werewolf rules and nature to come between a wolf and his mate. Especially that of an Alpha wolf." Cade educated Mason. "I know the laws. And I don't care. Her father promised her to me. And she will be mine." Mason insisted and Cade had to hold Tyler back after that.		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2731882	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:21 AM	1740993493	1746883280		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	📚 28 Books For 70% Off!	"SO HOT! I LOVE with this series!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-dark-billionaire-bundle-by-vivian-wood			5.8334782485596E+14	Vivian Wood	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481337258_3105337806281114_8356411179034119097_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DYT_taerPr0Q7kNvgF78SkZ&_nc_oc=AdgQuwQVM_EsFx4GsPd0843rUtNUNgWTHh-389p2WKiJpEV-t8oOTchP7wrHdJBwLZqPXqjqaRpzyaWDtHo0C-Gn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDWcApCIO6G3DQSk5E3gv-h1BZhRKjUzuSUrzsikqshvQ&oe=67CB5D4C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		He kissed me like he meant it. “You’re not leaving tomorrow, are you?” she asked, voice hushed. Henry didn’t answer; he didn’t have to. He crossed the distance between them and slid a hand along her cheek. The question hung there, loaded with everything they’d avoided saying for days. “Ellie,” he said, low and careful, “I don’t want to hurt you. But every time I’m near you, all I can think about is taking you like this—” He cupped the back of her neck, and in one fluid motion, claimed her mouth with his. She whimpered, parting her lips, and the taste of her was better than any memory. ​ When her arms slid up around his shoulders, he coaxed her deeper into the kiss. The bed creaked behind them, beckoning. Ellie tugged at his shirt until he raised his arms and let her peel it off. “I’ve wanted this,” she whispered, eyes roaming the expanse of his bare chest. She ran her palms over the ridges of muscle. “Always.” “Show me,” he said. The raw need in his voice made her shiver. ​ She popped the button of her shorts, letting them slip to the floor. The thin scrap of her underwear soon followed. Henry’s gaze darkened, a low groan rumbling out as his hand splayed across her hips, guiding her back until she hit the mattress. “You’re so beautiful,” he rasped, kneeling to plant kisses along her thighs. She arched her back, the breath leaving her lungs in shallow bursts. Ellie dragged her fingers through his hair, her soft moan a wordless plea as he pressed his mouth where she ached most. A tremor rolled through her, every nerve ending on alert. ​ She could barely form a thought as his tongue teased her, sending jolts of pleasure pulsing through her veins. “Henry,” she gasped, “don’t stop.” He had no intention of stopping. Her legs quivered, and he slipped an arm beneath her to hold her steady. Every swirl and flick pushed her closer to the edge until her cry broke in the hush of the cabin. When Ellie’s breathing calmed, Henry stood, chest heaving. She propped herself up on her elbows, watching him fumble for the foil packet in his wallet. ​ “Hurry,” she urged, cheeks still flushed. Henry did exactly that. In the next breath, he joined her on the bed, bracing his forearms on either side of her. She pulled him down, and their mouths collided again. His body pressed against hers, every inch of them aligned. “Tell me you want this,” he murmured, poised at her entrance. “I do,” she managed, eyes fluttering shut. “I want you, Henry. Now.” And that was all he needed. He pushed into her, the heat and pressure stealing her breath. Ellie’s nails bit lightly into his shoulders. For a moment, neither of them moved, overwhelmed by the sharp bliss of finally crossing a line they both knew they couldn’t uncross. Then he began a slow, deliberate rhythm, one that spoke of hunger and restraint unraveling at the seams. - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ""WOW OH WOW what a way to start this series, and the ending will have you screaming!!!" ~Melanie The Ultimate Steamy Mega Dark Billionaire Bundle Get 28 Books For 70% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Vivian Wood		3	https://www.facebook.com/61573076215858/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732279	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 9:31 PM	1740993502	1749781899		2747																										a.vampirefictions.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.vampirefictions.com/ad/ZmFudGFzeWxhbmQvNDQ0MzY5LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwODE0L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.636569768248E+14	Vam002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481114632_1346416753441886_2327765366534247772_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z2UUvnXLcGMQ7kNvgGjsxmt&_nc_oc=Adgk1XFrQStXJy-G7ZOrD_KHbPnlRSNeycyRp03tZxb6d1X2n1_JkvQchyjWnHwOTtuYRKsUW9h3kNgCLyfsLLJL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYAvPJ0kt0MndLA17vRh1rDJRHE7RFeGgaaJ-oyTKwl7UQ&oe=67CB4223	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"She's not an ex or a bunny, is she?" "What? No. Cora and I went to school together. Her stepfather was my coach in high school. We were friends." "Just friends?" "Just friends. She's probably the only girl who's ever just been my friend. I've known her since kindergarten." Until she wasn't my friend anymore. Until I screwed it up. ____________ Cora The night is busier than usual, and I've run myself ragged trying to keep up in the ER. As a nurse, I don't normally work the ER, but I've had trauma training, and when three nurses called off, I came in. The overtime will be a nice bonus. I'm behind on my rent, and I hope this extra money will help me not only catch up on that, but on the other bills as well. "Cora!" I glance up from my charts to see Mrs. Hesh, my supervisor in the ER, hurrying toward me. She looks panicked. "What's wrong?" "We have several VIP patients coming in. I need your help." "Of course." I close the chart and put it back in the pile I still need to go through. "What do I need to know?" "Several of the hockey players from the Raptors got injured and are being rushed here. We need to make sure they're taken care of straight away and that the team and coaches are kept informed of their status. Can you do that?" "Shouldn't Shelia do that? She's the senior RN. I'm only filling in." Hockey players make me uneasy. Bad past experience. "I don't trust her not to ask them all for autographs. She's a total fangirl." My eyes widen. I didn't know Mrs. H. knew what that term even meant. "And I heard you say you knew hockey." "I do." "Good. I trust you not to lose your mind when confronted by the team." "No, ma'am, I won't." "You may need to wrangle some of the other nurses, too. I'll be busy with the patients." "They're not going to like it, especially the ones who have seniority over me." "Does that mean you can't do it?" The older woman turns and looks me dead in the eye, hers shrewd and assessing. But she can change my status here at the hospital. I'm not going to do anything to disappoint her. It says a lot she's trusting me with this. "I can do it." "Good." We both rush to the ER entrance, waiting for the ambulances to arrive. I pull my ponytail down and redo it, tucking the loose strands of my heavy blonde hair behind my ear. I learned during my first real rotation to always keep my hair up and out of the way. Otherwise, you could get run over in a packed ER because you can't see when your hair is swinging everywhere. It only takes a few moments for the first two ambulances to come screeching into the ER entrance, sirens blaring. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for two seconds then move forward, meeting the ambulance doors and waiting for them to open. The first player out is Jamison O'Brian. He has a nasty cut to the face, and his leg is propped up and held immobile by the board strapped to it. He looks rough, but not in danger. Dr. Billings waves him off with the nurse standing behind me. I don't remember the guy's name. I'm not down here enough to know everyone. The second ambulance holds a more serious injury. Myers is the name emblazoned on his jersey. His head is a bloody mess, as is his arm, a nasty looking gash that was most likely caused by a blade. That's going to keep him out for a couple of weeks at least, depending on any kind of nerve or muscle damage. He goes with Ava, the other nurse down here from my regular floor. Ava and I are friends, and we both frown at the seriousness of the injury. Ava is a huge hockey fan, but she can be trusted not to lose her mind over treating a player, which is why she's been called out to meet the ambulances. The last ambulance is the one Mrs. H. seems the most concerned with. As soon as the doors spring open and the EMTs start shouting stats, I get a good look at the unconscious man lying prone and bleeding on the stretcher. All the air rushes out of my lungs, and all I can do is stare. No. It can't be. He's in Florida. Not Minnesota. "Cora?" The sharp tone snaps me out of my funk. "Sorry. It's just I know him." "You know him?" We run after the stretcher. "I went to school with him." "Is this going to be a problem?" "No, ma'am. I was just shocked is all. I hadn't realized he'd been traded to the Raptors. I'm good." She nods and we get to work, me helping cut his clothes off, revealing the extent of his injuries. He has massive bruises on his abdomen, which might indicate internal bleeding. There's also a nasty cut along one thigh, and his shoulder is at an odd angle. The doctors twist it back into its socket while he's unconscious. I wince when they do, glad he's unconscious for that. Resetting a shoulder is extremely painful. As the doctors do that, we keep working, helping to clean away the mess so they can evaluate him. The bleeding is stopped, and then he's gone to CT to make sure there was no damage to the brain and to see if he has internal bleeding where the bruising is. I go to check on the next patient, who is currently complaining that he's fine and he doesn't need all the fuss. The doctor and the male nurse are disagreeing with him, but he just gets louder. They do not know how to deal with hockey players, apparently. Or they don't want to upset a VIP patient. Either way, the patient's care comes first, even when said patient is acting like a big baby. "Sit." My tone is sharp and commanding when he tries to get off the table. His brown eyes snap to mine, and I just arch a brow. "I'm fine." He stands up, daring me to say a word. He has no idea he's dealing with someone who grew up around hockey players. "You are not fine. Now, sit down before you fall down." The nurse and doctor look at me like I've grown two heads, but O'Brian sits, a scowl on his face. He might terrify everyone else with that look, but not me. "Don't give me that look. Your leg could be broken, and the more you stand on it, the more damage you'll be doing. Which means longer time off the ice. So stop being a whiney prick and let us take care of you so you can get back out there." "Fine," he mutters, and I shake my head. Hockey players. Mrs. H. stands to the side, a small smile on her face. "Cora, we need you in here, please." I peel my gloves off and don a new pair when I push into the room where Myers sits, growling at everyone. The nurses are all a little too giddy and not really doing their job. Sighing, I push through them, snapping for them to get to work or get out. The low chuckle from the bed catches my attention, and I arch that same brow. "That's a nasty cut, Mr. Myers." "I've had worse." Dark green eyes dance with mischief even with the twinge of pain in them. "I'm sure you have." Ava hustles over, looking exasperated. "Thanks for that. They weren't listening to me." "No problem." Between the two of us, we get him stripped and cleaned, working around the doctors and getting them what they need as well. Soon he's hustled off to x-ray, and Ava and I take a moment to catch our breath. "That was intense." "I forget how surly they can be when they're hurt." "Your stepfather was a high school coach, wasn't he?" I nod, not really paying attention. "So that's how you know so much about hockey." We both jump at the sound of Mrs. H.'s voice. "Sorry, we just needed a moment." "Understandable. Cora if you can go inform the team of what's going on, I'd appreciate it. They're camped out in the waiting room." "And being very loud, I take it?" Her lips twitch, and I know I'm right. Sighing, I push off the wall and take a glance at the charts before walking down the hall to the waiting room. I hear the noise before I even reach the doors. Loud isn't quite the word I'd use. Think of about thirty two-year-olds all screaming at the top of their lungs. That would be the most accurate picture of the noise coming from out there. No fewer than six nurses, male and female alike, are trying to talk above the noise. But honestly, they're not asking about injuries or informing the team about the patients. They're talking about the game. "Excuse me." I make myself louder than normal, but it's not doing a thing to get anyone attention. So I do the one thing I know will get through. I put fingers to my lips and let out a whistle so shrill it hurts the ears. Another thing left over from my high school days. A little trick my stepfather taught me. But it's effective, and every single bit of noise dies down. "Thank you. Now, where is the head coach?" He stands and walks forward. "I'm Coach Baptist." "All three of your players are being taken care of. O'Brian's in x-ray, and Myers and Chandler are upstairs in CT. They're checking for head trauma and internal bleeding. As soon as we know more, I'll come out and let you know." I turn my attention back to the nurses. "You lot have things to do other than stand around out here and gossip. Get back to work." "I outrank you." The snottiest of them grins. "Yes, but Mrs. H. put me in charge. Sure you want to tell her why you decided to pull that snarky little comment out of your a$s?" Her eyes widen, and she turns and marches back through the doors. Idiot. "Well, what are the rest of you waiting for?" They grumble but shuffle off. Which leaves the team to deal with. "Is there anyone else out here who needs medical attention?" A collective shake of heads is the only answer. "Now, I know you're all tired, and anxious to find out about your teammates, but this is a hospital. There are sick people here, and all this noise isn't helping." More grumbling. "I get it, guys, I do, but I swear if you don't settle down, you're going to deal with me, and trust me, ladder drills have nothing on my ire, so please do us all a favor and behave." "Ladder drills, huh?" one player asks. "You know hockey?" "Yes. Now, unless you guys need something, I'll be back when I have more to report." I turn around, and a wolf whistle follows me. It takes me two seconds to have the offender's ear in between my fingers. You'd be amazed at how quickly a man will come to heel with a little pressure on his earlobe. "Ow!" he screeches. "I'm not your honey, babe, or a bunny. I'm Nurse Stevens, and if you disrespect me again, I will have your balls. Understand?" "Yes, ma'am." I turn him loose and give them all a level stare. "Understand?" A chorus of "yes, ma'ams" follow me as I turn around and disappear behind the doors leadings back to the ER. Hockey players. Cora Has it really been only four hours since the worst shock of my life? But my trusty watch says it has. Thank God for all my training, or I might have run from the hospital and never come back. Shaw Chandler. Dear sweet baby Jesus. I never expected to see him again, especially not in Minnesota, of all places. He swore he never wanted to play where it was cold ever again. The southern states or the warmer ones on the west coast are where he wanted to play. It's why I felt so safe moving here. Even though hockey is king in this state the same way football is in Texas, I knew he'd never play here. But then, players don't dictate trades. He might not have been given a choice. And besides, it's not like he'd care I'm here, anyway. We haven't spoken in over four years. Shaking my head, I pull myself together and focus on the patient who needs the nausea meds. Poor man seems to have gotten food poisoning. He's thrown up three times since he got here twenty minutes ago. He's dehydrated, but the IV I put in with the fluids should start to help soon. "Here you go, Mr. Croom. This will ease the nausea." I hand him the tablets and small paper cup. He takes it and swallows the pills down. "God, I hope this stays down." Me too. He threw up on me earlier. Glancing at the clock, a sigh escapes when I see my shift is over. I can go home and forget I saw Shaw Chandler. But the pale stillness of him when he came in worries me. Shaw was my best friend all throughout school, and as much as he hurt me, part of me still worries about him. I always will. "I'm getting ready to leave, Mr. Croom, but Amber will be the charge nurse on duty. She should be by in just a few minutes. Is there anything you need before I go?" He shakes his head miserably, and I smile encouragingly at him. Food poisoning is one of the worst things in the world. "Hey, Cora." Amber shoots me a smile when I walk over to the nurses' station to clock out on the computer. "Watch that one. He's got food poisoning and has already thrown up on me." "Ouch." I wrinkle my nose. I smell like vomit, but at least I have on clean scrubs. I learned early on to keep several extra sets on hand. I give her the rundown on the rest of the patients as I gather my things. "I heard about the hockey mess that came in." "Yeah. Two serious injuries and one very loud, very vocal team." "We've had them in a few times over the years. Takes some wrangling." "I handled it." "I knew you could." She waves me off as I walk around the station. "See you tomorrow!" No, she won't, but I don't bother mentioning that. Amber is one of the nicest people in this place, and I try not to let my snarky nature disrupt her bubbly attitude. It's not until I'm in the elevator stepping off onto the floor where Shaw is that I realize I've even done it. I shouldn't be here. I know it, but I'm worried. He looked so pale. Groaning at my own gluttony for punishment, I walk down the hall to his room. No one is around. He's probably still passed out. He had a nasty concussion, but because of the surgery to repair his spleen, he had to have anesthesia. If I remember correctly, he doesn't respond well to the stuff. It knocks him out for days afterward, so I should be good just to sneak in and check to make sure he's okay. But he's not alone. One of the nurses from the waiting room is standing there, taking photos on his phone. What the... "Just what the heck do you think you're doing?" He whirls around, and his eyes go round. I whip out my phone and text Mrs. H. She's the one nurse I know who will take care of this. "What are you doing?" he asks, voice low. "Texting my supervisor to let her know what you're doing." He looks from the phone to me and then shrugs. He knows he can sell those photos for a few hundred thousand, easy. It's no biggie if he gets fired. He breezes by me and out the door. Oh, he did not! Running after him, I catch his arm and pull him around. "You're not..." "Don't make me hurt you, babe." His tone is threatening, but it doesn't register. All I'm thinking about is those photos. Photos of Shaw when he's vulnerable and unable to defend himself. "You are not getting out of here with those pictures." "You going to stop me, babe?" Without thinking, I grab his phone and slam it on the ground, smashing it in the process. Well, cracking the screen more than the phone flying into little bits and pieces. "You little bimbo!" And before I can dodge, his fist has connects with my face. Everyone on the floor sees it. He seems to notice and tries to run, but one of the hockey guys from downstairs is only a few steps away and snags him. "You okay, Cora?" Natalee, one of my good friends, asks as she helps me up. "Did you hit your head?" The pain vibrating across my cheek is horrible. The bruise is going to be epically bad. My head does hurt, but it's not as bad as the cheek. "She broke my phone!" the offender shouts. "That doesn't give you the right to hit a girl, dude." Mr. Tall Dark and Deadly hockey player doesn't look impressed with the nurse's outburst. Mrs. H. arrives and, seeing my face, rushes over to check it, her fingers gentle on my jaw. "This needs x-rayed." "It'll be fine." I can't afford a hospital bill. Even with our insurance taking care of most of the bill, I still can't afford what would be left. "No, it won't," she rebukes. "Or do I need to pull the same spiel you gave earlier?" I try to smile, but it hurts too much. "Now, is this the man you texted about?" I nod. "Yes, ma'am. He was taking pictures of Sha...Mr. Chandler. When he tried to run, I smashed his phone. I'm sorry about that, but it's the only thing I could think to do. Our job is to take care of our patients, not exploit them when they're unconscious." "He did what?" The voice of the player holding the nurse drops two octaves and turns from soft to hard so fast it would make your head spin. Even those pretty brown eyes have gone so cold and dark, they're nearly black. "She's lying!" "I don't think so." Mrs. H. collects the smashed phone off the floor. "The police should be able to pull any photos from the phone. It's not damaged too badly." The man's face pales. "We'll take care of this." Mrs. H. turns to Natalee. "Get her checked in then off to x-ray. Someone will be by to fill out an incident report, and Cora, don't worry about the bill. You won't be getting one since it's a work-related injury." Her expression dares me to argue, so instead I pull out my own phone and text my babysitter that I'll be later than I thought. At least I don't have to worry about one more bill I can't afford. When I get back from x-ray, they don't take me down to the ER like I expected. They bring me back to Shaw's floor and to a room. Natalee winks when she comes in. "Can't have one of ours down there in the mess." I smile gratefully, knowing she pulled a few strings. This is my normal floor, and I love the nurses I work with up here. "You got some ninja skills, girlfriend." "Ha, if I had skills, I wouldn't have gotten hit." "Yeah, I didn't see that coming either. I was already up and coming over when you snatched Marty's phone, but I wasn't able to stop him. Sorry." I wave off her apology. "How much longer do you think this is going to be? Noah's already up and probably mad that I'm not there to make his breakfast." "How is the kiddo?" "He's good, adjusting better than I thought he would when we moved out here." "It had to be hard on him. When John and I moved here two years ago, our daughter declared us horrible people and said she'd never forgive us." "How'd that go?" "She was five. She got over it when we took her ice skating." I laugh and then wince. "Don't make me laugh. It hurts." "Sorry." She hands me the cup of coffee she'd been holding. "I brought this for you. It's from the stand outside, not the cafeteria. Thought you'd need some caffeine." "Thanks, Nat." "Anytime. I have to go check on patients, but the doctor shouldn't be too long. He has to haul it up from the ER, so..." I shrug. It'll probably be a while longer than she let on. I'll drink my coffee and try not to focus on the man a few doors down from me. The one I shouldn't even have checked on. But I'm glad I did. No matter what happened between Shaw and me, no one deserves to have their photo taken while they're at their most vulnerable. Especially not by the people who are supposed to be taking care of them. "Knock, knock." The hockey player who snagged the nurse walks in. "that looks bad." "I'd say it looks worse than it feels, but I'd be lying." He comes closer, his hands in his pockets. His black hoodie with the Raptors logo isn't nearly as dark as his hair. The stubble on his face gives him a rakish look. He reminds me of a pirate and is way hotter than Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. The man is gorgeous, and he knows it. It's the way he moves, the confidence of his stride. I take a sip of my coffee, careful to blow on it first. "That's not from the cafeteria." "Nope. There's a little coffee vendor outside the hospital. Better than Starbucks." "No sh-it?" "No sh-it." "Good to know." After he stands there awkwardly for a full minute, I decide to put him out of his misery. "Is there anything I can help you with?" "Oh...uh...I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay." He doesn't sound nearly as confident as his stride. He sounds nervous. "I'm good." "And to thank you for what you did." "Not necessary. I'm sorry it happened. I didn't think anyone here would do something like that." "You'd be surprised at what people will do for money." The darkness lurking in his eyes tells me that he's well acquainted with the subject. Another minute goes by, and then his phone buzzes. He pulls it out and frowns at the message. "Everything okay?" He sighs. "My kid has terrorized another nanny. She's threatening to quit." Now that, I smile at. "My son went through three sitters when we moved here six months ago. He was adjusting to a new place, a new city, and sitters he didn't know." "My son has lived here his whole life, which is all of four years. He loves to cause chaos, and the nannies I hire don't like the chaos. I wish he was more like his sister. She's as sweet as can be." I laugh at that, not caring about the wince. "Three- and four-year-old little boys are a handful and take a certain brand of crazy to deal with all its own." "That they do." He smiles, and it lights up his entire face. "I'm Blaine Kirkos, by the way." "Nice to meet you, Mr..." He's shaking his head, interrupting me before I can get the word out. "No mister. Call me Blaine. We parents have to stick together. At least now I know how you handled a room full of hockey players and wrangled Myers and O'Brian. They said you were like a little general, daring them to disobey you." "Hockey players are very much like little boys." "I'm not saying I agree, but..." "But you do." His smile is my only answer. "So, I was thinking I could get you tickets to a game or something...to say thank you for taking care of everyone and stopping that guy from getting away with photos." "Oh, no, that's okay. You don't have to do that." "But I want to." "I work most nights you guys have games." "You could switch a shift or call in..." "Can't call in. Bills to pay and all that." "How about I send you tickets, and if you can come, then you come?" I start to tell him thank you but no when the doctor comes in. He glances at Blaine and does a double take. "Oh, Mr. Kirkos, I didn't know you knew Cora." He winks at me and shakes the doctor's hand. "Just in here checking on our favorite nurse. I'll let you talk to her so she can get out of here and home to her son. I'll be seeing you Nurse Stevens!" He walks out whistling, and the doctor turns to me, one eyebrow raised. I refrain from saying a word, and when he realizes I'm not about to gossip, he gets down to business. My cheekbone is not fractured as they'd feared, but it's going to hurt like crazy. He offers pain meds, and I decline, so he writes me a prescription for Ibuprofen 800 and calls it a day. Once my discharge papers are firmly in hand, I tell Natalee goodbye and waver in front of Shaw's door. Giving in to temptation, I go in and walk over to the bed. He's just as gorgeous as I remember. His skin is darker, pecked by the Florida sun. The blond hair that always made him look like the boy next door is lighter, sun bleached from days spent on the beach. His eyes are a dark stormy gray, and even though they're closed, I can picture them. His body has filled out a lot since the last time I saw him. He's become the man that the boy only hinted at. "Hey..." I turn to see Natalee come in. She's got questions in her eyes, but I shrug, not up to answering them. "How is he?" I ask instead. "In and out of consciousness, which is good, especially with the concussion. Surgery was successful, but he's not going to be on the ice anytime soon. Nasty concussion." I nod. It's what I assumed when they started talking about concussions in the ER. At least he's okay. I can go home and forget about him now. "Tinkerbell?" The hoarsely whispered word pulls my attention to pain-filled eyes. He's staring at me with an intensity that's hard to shake. But I have to. Without a word, I turn and walk out of the room.		Vam002		153	https://www.facebook.com/61552453307075/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731473	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 10:45 AM	1740993485	1749051949		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481311311_3450092761952449_7061387279476350801_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=th7pUTFBn0sQ7kNvgFub9Ba&_nc_oc=Adh71ZfJE-PZBePOudz0kPqWU2HhDE3JPYJLVLy8-I-H0F6IMYSkXyRqmdEDkJvNcnk_s925vrwNXijXrt1JA0Mj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYALLjCNdjUVmmgEaBY16YiFwIBnRnOfTAz72ie05rQw1A&oe=67CB5B7E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731936	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 10:37 AM	1740993495	1749051425		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481013085_1198268575638744_8350648510411586697_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=K-_56bc5lKAQ7kNvgHK6Mln&_nc_oc=AdgQnYcXuHSpAZX5Ll6dmyZXJGglwNuSy3Xn1kKGwEPAkpMED35v5O_xPeHrtzXWusWeNKBwv1ZVcy5WUT4MPSDp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYBwcf3B9FPsk8kx0uUauXKvOj-g7fS9VU9W1P5uEJw7SA&oe=67CB50F0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731429	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 5:45 PM	1740993484	1749768304		2747																										blog.vital-update.com	Learn more			IMAGE	Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		https://blog.vital-update.com/apirelief-us/adv			1.0954799162080E+14	Muebleria del Real	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481191935_640061302046021_360577957734430733_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wTc-UcSuna0Q7kNvgGQ29p3&_nc_oc=AdiDYKu5NxSRTgQ4-u37NNyW9a7ljHpKC6PuVQsJZONqQVTOSHtY0tAPixaydSRhJVX5xXYL3_Kpe07aiqoOHx2m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYB0A784WU4NyjoGLQDOOa4YfKlZlje-A6p6hBhiIn--FA&oe=67CB2792	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Nerve damage and neuropathy? Try this immediately (A MUST-SEE)		Muebleria del Real		27	https://www.facebook.com/100077451611178/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731835	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 7:34 AM	1740993492	1746880461		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481113962_1170184374569072_8814800987245294478_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KqpfIfOsiTEQ7kNvgHeGuPf&_nc_oc=AdhnUy6awxIVDGSq1Fha-CIeRWN9HHDTUxu1m51tN_IeySgnZuISq0q2sSgwjtE8jHmDv6nPNzuI-i7BFJ9MIxYF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYB8ym5VswF5iwWl-1wLe0DWdabbvZMLrajBL70_L51UZQ&oe=67CB2C01	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		ReelShort		1247730	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731396	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/29/25, 9:52 PM	1740993483	1745981576		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481264587_1172936290843802_2460995904575261949_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bO-Fop9b62AQ7kNvgFD4hot&_nc_oc=Adgi7hP6AGMqzVU3PCjCR5V0JZKDvVJW3UJTKkgw8gNY2jn0rCl8RzZe0-24qWCOe34qLycfvYnpwiQgNF9CywvP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYDsRwpOdvTqYUNhCzLJt614-lp4c_K5RGvYImGRogSFoA&oe=67CB41D7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731744	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 10:18 PM	1740993490	1749784694		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481278107_2895274023975925_3761372253500833462_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P4EeI4uNbtkQ7kNvgHq9Cit&_nc_oc=AdhhX-cEFtKkcb14nlaLWRQGYqoRBEeZFQfgoBAkzOZCBGDZnzGXe5g3CEAkKJSFDEn4re5SqMuPpFcD_YOyGA05&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AqBFYoNGFUYDWrS2a2_JT6N&oh=00_AYA6_V1NPFodFM6gOUDkfAsDnDTHZETyEqHK_mG-FY1Uhg&oe=67CB2B01	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336052	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732289	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:00 AM	1740993502	1746882044		2747																										tastenovel.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him.		https://tastenovel.readlife.mobi/47nm10c00.html			1.6666484402238E+15	IReader 中文	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482002317_1521514245183936_3605432078715524073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h0Vf6mdvb-AQ7kNvgE2VKfY&_nc_oc=AdhWdv0OKbBNP1e85uy_wCRpsJKSNnBVGNfP2tjCYWVAvgFYX2L7FhQ4vL1gKRJqJfpiv8XJC9qkW8F6ImniVD5d&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYA2uUVwBrmsCdGoNaxIZuVfmZAni4lppGoSph4R4MAdQQ&oe=67CB3FA8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥🔞My best friend was inside me. On my boyfriend's bed. Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him. "I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, getting ready to give my boyfriend my cherry. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I looked up into his eyes. I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" He froze above me at that moment and his groggy voice spoke above me, "Avery?" It wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's voice, but my best friend... Alpha Xade's! Avery's pov Today is my boyfriend Kyan's birthday and I wanted to surprise him by seducing him and giving him my virginity. I had planned it for months and I think I am finally ready to give it to him, however, things get a bit complicated when it's not him that ends up inside me. ___ "I think it's too much," I grumble under my breath, tugging at the very short skirt I had borrowed from my friend Melissa. It's a floral figure hugging skirt that showed off my body in a very sexual way. I topped it off with a simple white cropped top and wore the silver necklace Kyan gifted me a few months ago for my twentieth birthday. Under it is a red lace thong and bra, Kyan's favorite color on me. He said it makes me look incredibly sexy and I want to look incredibly sexy tonight for him. She rolled her eyes where she was on the bed and let out a puff of air. "I think you look sexy and Kyan will not be able to take his eyes off you." I chewed on my lips. She was probably right. Melissa had a knack for being right anyway. I pushed up my glasses on my nose and twisted around to get a better look. I was skinny but had a good size bottom and chest area. "You look good V, now go surprise your man!" Melissa hopped off the bed and strut over to me and gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. She did something funny with her lips and then motioned for me to sit on the chair. " Let me curl your hair better. Maybe add a little makeup too," her voice beamed with excitement to doll me up further. I sat in the chair for longer than was necessary getting my hair curled to perfection by my bubbly friend who had mentioned she was tired earlier but the exhaustion seem to have magically disappeared. Afterward, Melissa did my makeup and I clenched my eyes shut as she sprayed the setting spray on my face. I scrunched up my nose and she giggled. " Come on its not that bad," she snorted. " Oh, it is," I say, holding in my sneeze. I hated the setting spray, it would always raise up my sinuses. Melissa set it down on the table and lifted her hand up in surrender. " Okay I am done, I no longer have the weapon," she shifted to the side so I could see my reflection in the mirror. I am stunned. Just a little bit of makeup and it has enhanced my beauty by a lot. I looked bewitching with the way she added the eyeliner. Wow. It brought out my grey eyes, I can even see the small flecks of green that have always been hard to notice. "You look incredible and he'll be so happy to see you," Melissa whispered, giving me a smile while she fixed up my curls. I nod, sighing. "I hope so. It's a surprise." I played with the ends of the skirt nervously. "He will love it," Melissa grinned and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Now hurry before the dorm monitor catches you sneaking out." I nod, standing up and feeling the weight of nerves settle in my stomach. Seeing my anxiety Melissa squeezed my hand reassuringly. She knew what my plan was and even though she didn't quite like Kyan, she told me it was my decision to give him something so precious to me. After a small prep talk from her, I walked out of the dorm, throwing the side bag strap over my shoulder and smiled at one of the girls who walked by. It's late already, around ten thirty p.m. Kyan should already be in his bed. He had already texted me earlier to say he was off to sleep. It took me a good ten minutes to get to Kyan's dorm which he shared with Xade Archer, the notorious bad boy on the campus and my best friend who I had known for years. We had grown up together and practically knew everything about each other. Joined at the hip my mom would joke about. My family always moved when I was younger and we finally settled in a small town where his dad was a mayor. I can remember the day we met, we were around ten, and me being shy hid behind the teacher who was introducing me to the class. Xade was the first to become my friend after an annoying girl pushed out her foot to trip me. I had stumbled and fell right on top of him and let's just say we had been the closest ever since. As I near the door, a bundle of nerves shook me. Xade was not home, Kyan had mentioned he went off to a party and wouldn't be back yet. Knowing Xade, he'd not be back until morning so this was a good opportunity for Kyan and I to do the deed while he was away. I'd definitely not want my best friend to hear me have my first time with his dorm mate. That would not only be embarrassing but I didn't think I would be able to face him again. The pressure in my lower stomach was weighing down heavily and my pulse quickened. I hauled in air through my nose and pushed it out lightly through my mouth, trying to relax my growing anxiety. My body had become clammy and I was sure if I didn't get in that room soon, I'd collapse. The corridor was empty, thank God for that. I didn't want any guy to see me sneak in the room even though my boyfriend is in there. I flushed. They'd definitely know what we will be doing in there. I took out the spare keys Xade had given me months ago. I wanted to surprise Kyan and this came in handy. My clammy and trembling hands struggle to push the key in the hole and after a few struggles I finally did it without waking up anyone. The room is completely pitched black and I contemplate if to put the lights on or not. But decided I was nervous enough as it was and needed it to be dark to even grow some confidence. It shouldn't be bad right? Just stick it in and be done with it? I closed the door behind me lightly, seeing the shape of his figure in his bed, covered by his sheets. He's facing away, sleeping on his side. My heart raced. This was it. I would finally give him my virginity. I walked to the bed, taking my time so I'd not trip. I'll just be quick. With anxiety building in my body, I reach his bed and leaned forward, whispering. " Kyan," He let out a sound, kind of like a tired groan but I wasn't sure. The sound of my heart was ramming too loudly in my ears for me to focus on his response. He shifted, turning on his back and I quickly straddle him, my breathing coming in short pants as I got ready to give my boyfriend my virginity. # 2 Avery's pov Just get it over with Avery. I chanted in my head as I leaned forward and kissed Kyan's cheek. I frowned when I felt a slight bit of stubble. He had shaved yesterday, was it possible for his stubble to grow back so quickly? The thoughts flew out quickly when his hands clamped on my hips to keep me on his lap. His hands made me squirm. His touch was lighting up a fire in me. It burned. I lifted slightly and pushed down the sheets off him and straddle him once more, moaning when I felt him nudge at my opening. He makes a soft grunt sound again under me and I took this as an invitation to kiss down his chin while I begin to dry hump him, rolling my hips in a way I thought would be seductive. It worked because he was so hard as a rock under me, I could feel him pressing against me. Wow. He felt huge! Was he even going to fit? I nibbled on his chin, making him buck up his hip and of course for his hardness to rub against me. Since I had a short skirt on it was hunched around my waist and my thin lace panties was a sad excuse of a barrier. He felt so hot. And I was so wet. " I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, rolling my hips over him to feel him. He felt so good. It's kind of strange actually, I have straddle him before but it has never urged me to feel so incredible or want more. In fact before, I would squirm and make an excuse for us to not go further. But tonight, something has changed. There's a burning desire, a need, a claim to have him inside me. I rocked my hips and his hands on my waist tighten as he pumped up, groaning sexily. He sounded more hoarse too. Sexy. So sexy. I am so wet I can barely think. All nervousness flew out the window when I felt just how excited he was under me. I press my palm to his bare chest, surprised by how tone it felt. It's never felt this tone before but perhaps it feels a bit different now that he is naked. I push out my tongue, running it along his cheek, an odd need to taste him overcoming me. He grunted, hips flexing up, his hardness smacking against me. His fingers dig into my hips and then they sweep over to my bottom, gripping them. " Oh," I moaned, rolling my hips more and surely wetting his boxers with my juices. But I didn't care. I was finally going to do this. My nips harden when one of his hand grip my breast and squeeze. His touch burned through me and sent shivers of pleasure to rake through my body. I needed him. Gosh I needed him. I panted, letting out little sounds of pleasure as he rocked his hips up to meet my little dance. I could no longer wait. There's something building, something I want right now. I am desperate as I push off him a little and free him of his boxers. I can't really see him but I feel him when I wrap my fingers around his girth. Oh hell. He really is huge. I gulped. Even though there's a little fear that he won't fit, my walls cry, begging for him to come right in. I push out a nervous breath, straddle him and with one hand push my panties aside and guided his tip at my entrance. He feels so hot in my hands and I can feel him pulse. It's now or never. Holding my breath, I pressed down, taking the head of him into my very tight opening. My jaw slackened and his loud moan made me shiver. Oh God. This feels so good even though it stings. He goes back to gripping my hips, hard and pushed up slightly as I descend on him, pulling him further into me. "Ohh," I whimpered when the head of his member brushed against my hymen, the barrier. I can hear his strangled breathing in the room, feel his pulsing length inside me, snuggled by my walls that clench around him. I am soaking him and he seems to enjoy this. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. And I did, with one push, I let him break through me and bit my tongue by the tight full feeling. My thighs shook and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Hell, he was too big. I stilled with him inside me, trying to adjust to the mere size of him. It feels like he had grown bigger if it was possible and I feared he'd stretch me out so much I'd need stitches after this. He rubbed my hips, still pulsing inside me. It was as if he was trying to soothe me and it was working. My aching muscles begin to relax around him and the pain dulled until I no longer felt it. However, I can feel him. Hot and throbbing. Every inch of him was inside me, every single inch. My walls squeezed around him and he groaned, nails digging back into my flesh. The sounds coming out of his mouth were sexy and in response I became more wet and the fire that pricked me earlier began to bloom once more until I needed him so badly. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I lifted slightly, my walls gripping around him in reluctance to let him out. But if I don't move and ride him I would die. I stopped until the tip alone was inside me and slide back down on his length. He shuddered, pulsing and gripped my waist as I began to move. Our rough breathing filled the room as I bounced on his hardness. He filled me over and over and I swore he was growing. He pulsed, gasping as I rocked my hips. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it was so so good. Why hadn't I done this with him sooner? I can see myself doing this with him more than once tonight. Hopefully, before Xade gets home. My skin was prickled with beads of sweat, on my forehead and even on my upper lip. His body seemed to be growing warmer too and the sounds that left his throat grew a bit more.....rouged. I gasped, pressing my palms on his hard chest and riding him. I could feel every inch of him, feel the tip of him nudge against my womb. He feels so good I whimper. " Ohh hmm," I moaned, my clit throbbing and my walls sucking him in. With a hiss, Kyan flipped us over as if he was fed up with my slow movements and was desperate. A scream tore through my throat when he angled my hips up and began to pound into me, feeding me his huge girth. It's a good thing I was so wet. The sounds of our intimate parts meeting was even louder than our loud breathing and cries of pleasure. He hovered above me, so powerful and intimidating. He pressed against me, one of his fists beside my head while the other hand gripping my top and tore it off, revealing my red lace bra. He couldn't see it in the dark but he felt it. He cupped my breast, his thumb brushing against the lace material where my nips had beaded hard for him. I let out a strangled moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I am aware that I am growing even more wet and I am so aware of how hard he's pounding into me right now. I don't tell him it's too much because I took all of it. I took every inch he gave me and I loved it. I loved it so much I moaned out ' yes please give me more.' And he did, angling his hips in a way that made the tip brush a very sensitive part inside me that made me let out a scream of pleasure, my eyes rolling back. I am very sure I may have woken up most of the guys rooms that are closer. I almost felt bad. Almost. But I was so full of pleasure and so full of him that I couldn't think about anyone else or how loud I truly was. My walls gripped him as he thrust in and out and he grunted above me, dropping his head on my chest and pushing down my bra to reveal my bareness. I cried when his lips wrapped around my bud, nipping and sucking. I shivered. His hair was brushing against my neck, soft and smelled strangely of apple. Since when does Kyan use the apple shampoo I bought for both him and Xade? The thought flew out the window when his teeth wrapped around my pebble and he bit hard. My hips bucked up at the assault and I scratched down his back, surely marking him with my nails. " Oh," I whimpered, becoming a mess under him. " Oh please," I moaned, pushing my hips up so I could take every inch he was giving to me. He groaned and let out a sound that didn't quite sound human, however, I was too lost to focus on it or question what I had heard. Tears were flowing down but it was not because of pain but because of mind-blowing pleasure. The tip of him was rubbing against that sweet delicate spot again and was creating a pressure feeling that was building up like a tight fist in my lower stomach. Every nerve in my body seems to be on fire and it feels like I am on the verge of exploding. I am panting, trying to catch my breath as his rhythm changes into a more desperate urge. He was pounding me into the bed. The headboard knocking on the wall with loud aggressive pounds. If he keeps up this pace the bed might break. His thrust became more urgent, more hungry and I cried out with every thrust of his hips angling forward. I cling to him, my thighs shaking as I cry in desperation to free the tightness that had built in my lower stomach. He let my bud go with a pop and brought his mouth so close to mine that I was sure he would kiss me. But he didn't, only kept his lips so close that it felt like he was teasing me, which made me feel more desperate. His breath mingled with mine, every pant, sigh and moan drawing me closer to releasing that tightness I felt. His breathing was ragged and fast, hitting my lips as if taunting me to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. But I always hated Kyan's kisses and didn't want it to ruin the pleasure he thrust into me at the moment, so I don't give in to my craving and bit my lips to try to suppress the sounds of pleasure coming out of my mouth. Kyan growled above me. I noted how the sounds that left his throat almost reminded me of an animal. It sounded so possessive, so primal, so beastly. And as I looked up into his eyes, though I knew for sure I would not be able to see them, I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? That's odd. Just as I saw the strange color, I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" Kyan froze above me, yet his tip shoot his warm cum in me while I squirm and shiver as I come undone under him. I am still riding the after shocks of my pleasure when Kyan's groggy voice spoke above me. Only that it wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's, but my best friend Xade's. "Avery?" # 3 Avery's pov My heart seized. Completely stopped working. His voice had entirely penetrated and punctured the haze of pleasure we had just been in. Xade. This voice above me belonged to my best friend Xade. The cock inside me belonged to my best friend Xade. The dick I had just been riding... Xade.... Xade! I try to wrap my head around the situation I had just put us in as realization dawned on me. Something heavy dropped in my stomach. Was it dread? Fear? Regret? I wasn't sure. I couldn't think properly with his cock still throbbing inside me. And it didn't help that it was growing back hard and twitching. With trembling hands I push them on his sweaty chest, the same chest I had press against while I rode him. Oh God. My face heated up, the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. " Oh my God," I whispered, tears of shame pricking the corners of my eyes. This cannot be happening right now. I did not just sleep with my best friend. I did not just give him my virginity. I did not just get rammed by Xade freaking Archer. What have I done? What have we done? There was no going back now after this. The line is already blurred. Oh my God. My face was so hot I knew I was so beet red. I am thankful he cannot see me right now. " V?" he whispered softly and his cock twitched. Oh God this is embarrassing. " I'm sorry," I found my voice and clenched my eyes tightly as it came out filled with shame and regret. " I thought Kyan was home and you were out. I- I choked up, my chest heaving as I fought the bubble of urge to cry. How humiliating. If I had just put on the lights I would have noticed it wasn't Kyan and this wouldn't have happened. I just gave Xade my virginity. I tremble under him and Xade flipped us over, holding and hugging me as I cried with silent embarrassed sobs. He was still very much inside me and still hard. His hands lift in my hair and he soothed. " Shhh it's okay V," But it was not. We just slept together, I mistook him for my boyfriend who was his roommate and good friend and gave him my virginity. And not only that but he and Mel had a thing going on too. The line was more than blurred right now it was trashed. I screwed up. " I didn't- I hiccuped, sobbing and burying my face in my hands. I would do anything for the ground to open and swallow me whole to avoid this embarrassing situation. " I am so s-orry Xa-de," I croaked out, I didn't want to lose him. I definitely didn't want this to come between us. How would I face both Melissa and Kyan too? Oh God. When I felt another twitch inside me, I grew hot and awkwardly pull off him. I can't believe he was hugging me while still being inside me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed. I winced. Now that the haze of desire had evaporated, the pain of my muscles being pounded and used was very present. It feels like I had been rammed by a truck. Xade was definitely packing like Mel had boasted about. I winced. Mel... How was I so stupid to not have noticed that this had been my best friend all along. The strawberry scent, only Xade used the shampoo I bought them. Kyan had said it smelt too fruity and I knew Xade hated it but he was always one to make me feel happy. He was always more toned than the guys here too, and his hands were massive. I should have known they were not Kyan's clumsy hands. Xade had mapped my body with his fingers too skillfully for it to have been Kyan's. And those groans that had fluttered beside my ear, the grunts of pleasure- My face is hot and I scramble to right my panties, fixing my skirt as I rolled off the bed. Xade reaches out for me, his long fingers wrapping around my wrist to stop me. I sucked in a breath at the burning feeling his hands left on my skin. I had always felt it, but tonight it was way hotter. Almost like a scorching tingling fire. " Wait," his hoarse voice says through the awkward air. My heart rams against my chest. Oh God. Don't say anything to embarrass me please. I already didn't know what more I could tell him. Tears burned my vision. I really had royally screwed up. " We don't have to say anything," his voice is a whisper in the dark, caressing me. I hated that it did. " What?" I breathed out, my heart kicking up a notch. " We don't have to let anyone know," his thumb brush against my wrist as if trying to soothe me yet coax me to come back to bed. I didn't know which one. " This can stay between us." My heart leaped in my throat. Is he saying that we should pretend this never happened? That I never gave him my virginity? Would it save our friendship and our relationships? " Like it never happened?" I whispered into the night, searching for his eyes but it was so dark I couldn't see anything. It takes a good while for him to answer and when he did it comes out hoarse and thick. " Yes," he replied. " Like it never happened. You thought I was Kyan and I thought you were Melissa." His words feel like a punch in the gut even though they were nothing but the truth. However, he was giving us a way out of this shameful incident and how could I not take it? We could go back to how things were right? I will be able to face him tomorrow? I swallowed and nod. " Like it never happened." I agreed and pulled my arm free of his grip and fixed my clothes that he had ruffled. My top was yanked down but thankfully he had not torn it during his ravaging. As I left the room and closed the door behind me, the ache between my legs mocked me with a memory that I will never forget. # 4 Avery's pov Forget Avery. Forget about his breath on your lips, his cock inside you. Forget about it. Everything will go back to normal tomorrow. I chanted in my head as I made my way down the corridor. I am thankful it is still empty and no one is around to witness my walk of shame. As I made my way down the stairs I winced, the throbbing pain between my legs pushing back the thoughts of what had just happened. I still can't believe I had mistaken Xade for Kyan, straddled him and didn't give him a chance to protest as I practically seduced him. Why hadn't he said a thing? Why didn't he say Melissa's name? If he had I would have known who I was sleeping with. Sure he had been sleeping and probably tired when I approached him and straddled him but afterward he was clearly wide awake and practically pounded into me. I shook my head, blinking back the guilty wave of tears. I sniffled and continued my way down and froze when I saw the familiar chocolate color hair. Kyan. My heart thrummed. How could I face him after what I had just done? Panic settled in my stomach and I am begging God for a way out of here without him seeing me. But it would be impossible. There are only stairs up ahead and nowhere else to hide. And Kyan is already making his way up with a bag of chips in his hand and a soda. Had he gone out to buy those stuff while I had been with Xade? A swam of guilt and shame made me stumble and I nearly fall, grasping for the rail before I hurt myself. The little rush of surprised air from my lips pulled his attention, something I didn't want at the moment. Great. Just flipping great. He looks surprised to see me, as he should since I hadn't told him I'd be coming over. Giving him my virginity was supposed to be a surprise, a birthday gift for him being patient...well kind of. I was no longer a virgin.... Kyan had been my boyfriend for two years now. We met at this very college and he and Xade became friends and roommates. That's how we got introduced and a few months later I finally accepted his offer to a date. We never really had that spark but seeing Xade having that crazy college experience I decided to give it a shot too. Kyan was great, not a very good kisser but he was sweet and would buy me cotton candy. He wasn't Xade drop dead gorgeous but he was fairly attractive with chocolate hair, brown eyes and a sharp jawline. He was attractive enough to garner girls attention when we were out, not as much as Xade capture but one or two girls would certainly look. " Babe?" His thick brows are furrowed and a look of confusion cast through his eyes as he bounds up the stairs a bit more hastily. I nervously smiled, awkwardly stopping so he'd not notice how I walked. If he saw, he'd definitely know that I had been fucked. " Yeah." I croaked and inwardly closed my eyes in frustration. This night couldn't have gotten any worse. He smiled when he reaches me, towering over me even though he was a step lower than me. " I wasn't expecting to see you here," he leaned forward for a kiss and my belly did that odd somersault thing that nearly poked my urge to vomit. Before his lips could touch mine I turn my head so his lips could touch my cheek instead. I feel so guilty it's eating me up inside. He pulled away, his brows furrowing more. " What's wrong?" he demanded. I smiled awkwardly. " Oh nothing," I lied. " I just had some onion chips earlier and I know you hate the stench of onion." Was I being too obvious something happened? I didn't know how to act. This was the first time I have screwed up so badly and didn't know what to do. I was always the 'good girl' like they had labeled me for years. A good girl doesn't sleep with her best friend whose girlfriend was my friend. A good girl doesn't mistake her best friend for her boyfriend. If I was being obvious, Kyan didn't show it and smiled, nodding. " So why are you here?" his eyes twinkled. " At this hour and wearing this sexy skirt?" his eyes drop to my skirt. I flushed, not because his words invoked the fire Xade had earlier but did the opposite. I shifted on my feet. " I- Come on Avery think. " I was coming to surprise you but I saw Xade in there. Didn't you say he was out?" I pointed my thumb at the back of me. Kyan shrugged, shifting the bag in his hand. "Yeah he came back earlier. Something about the full moon and a headache." Right. Xade said he hated full moons because somehow he always feels like shit whenever it's up in the sky. For years when a full moon shows up, Xade would be locked in his room. But when we were back in the small town, he and his family would not have anyone come to their estate during that time. Some people thought they were odd, but I didn't. Concerned curled in my belly. Was he okay? Is that why he had been trying to sleep it off and I came up and practically screwed him? " Now I am intrigued," Kyan pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and want. His tongue licked across his lower lip and his eyes lowered to my cleavage. The little that showed. " What kind of surprise?" I smiled nervously. I had surely trapped myself. " Just a sweet surprise. Nothing special. But I must go now, Mel texted me that the dorm monitor is hot tonight and I don't want to get caught." " Oh," Kyan murmured in disappointment but still nod. " I'll see you tomorrow then?" he goes in for kiss but I sidestep him and wave. "Yeah," I strut down the stairs without looking back. " I'll see you tomorrow." If I can still walk that is. It was taking everything in me to make my walk look natural, but the ache between my legs was refusing for me to look natural right now. # 5 Avery's pov When I got back to the dorm, I was breathing hastily. Melissa is already asleep but when she hears me stumble a bit on one of her heels, she turns around and puts on the lamp. I winced, lifting my hand over my face to block the assault. " Well well well," she drawled out playfully. I wished she hadn't because now I felt even more guilty. " What do we have here? Hmm? A girl who had just gotten shagged?" " Christ Mel," I turned beet red under her scrutiny and looked away, pushing off the shoes I had on. " I did not get shagged." Oh but I did. Hard and fast. By....Xade. Melissa lets out a rush of disappointed air. " Really? But your hair looks a mess and you're spotting a red flush. Even your skin looks sweaty. I know when someone just got fucked V." I gulped, my hand instinctively going to my hair to fix whatever was a mess. " It's very windy outside." I half lied, going to the closet so I can change. I am tempted to go to have a shower, but I feel so tired I just want to sleep. " Uh huh," Melissa didn't believe me and I don't blame her. I didn't sound convincing at all. Guilt bit through me and I am thankful she doesn't question me further. After I put on the huge shirt that covered my small figure to my knees, I made my way to my bed and sank in the sheets. Mel puts off the lights and I turn on my back, my palm lying flat on my stomach as I stared at the dark ceiling. I didn't like this feeling of guilt but I didn't like the feeling of craving for more either. I sighed, forcing my eyes closed and wishing I could just forget the night but knew that it was impossible. __ The next morning I am grateful I do not have classes until later today. I can sleep in for a little longer and try to heal my aches naturally with more sleep. I hadn't caught a wink of sleep last night and had tossed and turned. Even Mel got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Xade and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. " You lucky bitch," Mel say as she leaned forward to put on her canvas shoes. She lift her head, her braids falling over her face. " No morning classes. What I would do to be you right now." Trust me Mel, you'd not want to be right now. But instead of speaking my thoughts, I only sent her a smile and tugged the covers to my chin. " I get to sleep in longer, enjoy your lecture." I closed my eyes, forcing out a fake yawn. " Hey, we're still up for afternoon brunch with the guys right?" My eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I had completely forgotten that we had set up a kind of double date with the guys at the diner where I worked at. I swallowed. Xade will be there...and Kyan and Melissa. Fuck my life. " Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. " Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since last night?" she questioned, straightening her spine. I shook my head. " I am fine, just may have caught a little draft because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. " But you know how busy Xade gets around this time," she pouted. " He barely makes time for me." I wanted to point out to her that Xade and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Xade didn't do relationships, however, he and Mel have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl before. Things may be getting serious and I hope I haven't ruined it. " Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. " Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. " I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder and I replied back. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shooting right through my soul instantly. " Xade?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and wincing at the movement. His eyes flicker to my thighs and I instantly flushed as I am now reminded again of what happened. So much for pretending nothing happened between us. I suck at this. Melissa let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close by I was sure cringed. However, I don't cringe, only sink my teeth in my bottom lip as my heart feels like it has just been ripped out of my chest.		IReader 中文		92084	https://www.facebook.com/ireader.cn/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732256	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:01 AM	1740993501	1746882062		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			IMAGE	"I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader&referrer=utm_source%3Dapps.facebook.com%26utm_campaign%3Dfb4a%26utm_content%3D%257B%2522app%2522%253A0%252C%2522t%2522%253A1740846827%252C%2522source%2522%253Anull%257D			1.8840476102146E+14	Dreamnovel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480742868_1770396470529169_8362325316216228375_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=r3RoHVwZES0Q7kNvgGxpPB4&_nc_oc=AdgpuBnyCu0pBAUJwjl4pRMzuPQZB07Yj8MsdIALQw0x6tjjy6n-Jr2ZWJse_0Bw_WOOkpqKq7nO0p1LyK0EJrhc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AZ4MQjKNB3wXiPM7MzpjH24&oh=00_AYBMJyUGG5icjkfk4FN1GgyELg20BNF0IDt6iUKtrJuLHQ&oe=67CB2ADA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emma Taylor is on her way to the office of her husband, Matías White, the man she married two years ago. She wishes she could say he is the perfect husband and that their marriage is wonderful, but it’s far from the truth. Her life is in chaos, and her marriage is a complete disaster. Emma married Matías, deeply in love with the man she thought was perfect for her. But reality hit her hа'rd-on their wedding night when he left her alone, telling her she was the most unpleasant woman he had ever met and that he would never have anything to do with her. Their marriage only happened because Matías’ grandfather, on his deathbed, had asked him to marry Emma, the woman he wanted as his beloved grandson's wife. To fulfill his grandfather’s dying wish, Matías married Emma so that his grandfather could see the wedding before he passed away. Today marks two years of marriage, and Emma is on her way to Matías' office at his company. Like a fool in love, she’s eager to make their marriage work, but deep down, she’s not sure if she’ll ever get her husband to notice her. Despite two years of marriage, Matías has never touched her, not even once. Emma steps out of the elevator and heads toward Matías White’s office. She wants to surprise him and see if they can have a romantic dinner tonight. Emma is tired of waiting for Matías to decide to be intimate with her, so she has resolved to seduce him tonight and finally get what she has longed for since the day she married him. Their marriage isn’t in a good place, and it’s never really been, but all she wants is to make things work between them. When she arrives at her husband’s secretary’s desk, the secretary looks up with a surprised expression, which strikes Emma as odd. “Good morning, ma’am. How can I help you?” the secretary asks, somewhat nervously. “Oh, nothing much, I just want to see my husband,” Emma replies. “Okay, let me inform Mr. White that you’re here,” the secretary says as she quickly picks up the phone to notify him of Emma’s arrival. "Don't bother telling him. I want to surprise him," Emma says, stopping the secretary from notifying Matías of her arrival. Unsure of what to do, the secretary drops the phone and remains silent. Excited and eager, Emma wastes no time and enters the office without knocking. But as soon as she steps inside, the smile on her face vanishes. Her excitement evaporates when she sees her husband in the arms of another woman. She stands there, frozen, staring at the scene without saying a word. "Emma," Matías says, quickly wiping the lipstick from his mouth. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his tone offended by her unannounced arrival. But Emma just continues to stare at him, shocked yet not entirely surprised, as she had suspected for some time that he was cheating on her. Without a word, driven by a sense of dignity and self-respect, she turns and leaves the office that now feels suffocating and oppressive. In a situation like this, one might expect their spouse to chase after them, to apologize or at least try to explain. But not Matías. He doesn’t follow her, nor does he try to offer any explanation. Angry and heartbroken, Emma leaves the building, desperate to get as far away as possible. This moment is a crushing blow for her. For two years, she tried everything to make their marriage work, but now it seems more impossible than ever. Feeling devastated, Emma heads to a nearby café, taking a seat at a table by the window that overlooks the street. She watches the world go by outside, her mind swirling with the painful truth she can no longer deny. She had always suspected Matías was deceiving her, but she clung to the hope that it was just her imagination, that she was wrong. Sadly, she now knows the truth—she was right all along. As Emma sits in the café, watching people pass by, she tries to clear her mind. An hour goes by, and as she starts to feel calmer, she decides it's time to leave and head back home. But as she approaches the parking lot where her driver is waiting with the car, she’s met with an unwelcome surprise—the woman with whom her husband is having an affair. Emma tries to ignore her, walking past without giving her the slightest attention. "Emma!" the woman shouts, making her stop and turn around. It’s clear that her husband’s lover isn’t about to let this opportunity to provoke her slip by. "What do you want?" Emma asks curtly, her patience wearing thin. "I just wanted to see your face while I tell you how much I've enjoyed your husband's kisses. And let me tell you, in bed, he's an absolute beast," the woman says with a smug smile, her words dripping with malice, clearly aimed at making Emma angry. Emma takes a deep breath, determined not to fall into the trap of this woman’s manipulation. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. After all, you're just the lover, and I'm the wife," she replies, flashing a calm smile. The woman's expression quickly changes to one of fury. Enraged, she storms toward Emma, grabbing her arm and shaking her violently. "Let go of me!" Emma yells, struggling to free herself from the woman’s grip. But just as the situation spirals out of control, something unexpected happens—a car comes speeding into the parking lot and crashes into both women. *** Emma feels a sharp, stabbing pain that overwhelms her, making it difficult to move. Her heart pounds heavily as she struggles to open her eyes, but the effort is almost unbearable. The noise of people around her is deafening, causing an intense headache that only adds to her misery. "Ma'am, listen to me! Can you hear me?" a voice calls out, trying to reach her through the fog of pain. “Mmmm,” she gasps, barely able to respond. "You’re okay. Let me help you sit up," says a man’s voice, gentle but firm. He helps her sit up from where she’s lying on the ground. "What happened?" Emma asks, wincing from the pain as she finally manages to open her eyes. She’s startled to find herself staring into the face of a handsome man with brown hair and striking gray eyes. "You were just in an accident," he explains. The memories come flooding back, and Emma looks around in panic. She sees the woman she had argued with being attended to by others. "The car didn’t hit you both too hard. You’re going to be fine," the man reassures her. Without a word, Emma tries to stand, bracing her hands on the ground, but a sharp pain shoots through her left arm. “Aaaargh!” she cries out, the pain intense and sudden. "It looks like your arm is dislocated," the man says, gently helping her to her feet. Just then, Matías appears. He glances briefly at Emma but quickly shifts his focus to his lover, completely ignoring the fact that his wife is injured. Tears well up in Emma’s eyes, and as the pain in her arm worsens, she feels even more miserable, both physically and emotionally. The sound of an ambulance siren cuts through the chaos, and paramedics arrive to assist both women. After a quick check-up, they decide to transfer them to the hospital for further treatment. Matías still pays no attention to Emma, his concern solely focused on the other woman. "Thank you for your help," Emma says quietly to the stranger who has stayed by her side, his presence a rare comfort in the turmoil. "There’s no need to thank me," he replies with genuine concern. "If you’d like, I can accompany you to the hospital, especially if there’s no one else to go with you." "I don’t want to be a bother. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine," Emma replies, embarrassed. She’s painfully aware that her husband has been there the whole time and hasn’t even asked if she’s okay. The paramedics lift her onto the stretcher, and both women are transported to the nearest hospital. By a coincidence or the irony of life, Emma and her husband's mistress are in adjoining rooms, which places them close to each other. Emma has her eyes closed when she hears the footsteps of someone entering the room. She slowly opens her eyes and sees Matías, who has just arrived. "Matías," she says, somewhat surprised to see him there. But then she remembers the scene of the accident and how he ignored her to be with his lover. "You must be happy about what you've done," he says in a cold tone. "What do you mean?" she asks, confused. "Don't play dumb. You know very well what I'm talking about. It's more than evident that after seeing the two of us kissing in the office, you decided to wait for the right moment to take revenge on us and deliberately had a car run over them. Of course, nothing went as planned." "Are you going crazy?" she tells him, offended by his accusations. "I'm only going to warn you about one thing: if something happens to her and she loses my son, I'll never forgive you," he says, and leaves Emma, who is left surprised in the room. It didn't take long for tears to come to her eyes and roll down her cheeks. Emma takes off the serum she is wearing and goes to the next room, where, to her surprise, she finds her mother-in-law accompanying the woman with whom her beloved son is cheating on her. "What are you doing here?" Sofia, Matías' mother, says, giving Emma a look full of rejection. "I'm also admitted to this hospital." "I can't believe you have the guts to come to this room after what you did to Silvia. Aren't you ashamed?" "I haven't done anything, and that's why I'm here now." "Do you say I'm a liar?" Silvia says, pretending to cry. "You were the one who tried to hurt me, and now you're pretending so that everyone thinks I was the cause of everything," Emma says, trying to clarify the situation. A loud "paf" echoes as Sofia slaps Emma while she tries to explain. Emma holds her face on the side that received the slap and watches as Silvia laughs at her misfortune. Footsteps approach the room, and an angry Matías enters. "Why are you here?" "Mati, darling, please tell her to leave. She hates me and came to make fun of me," Silvia says between false tears. "Emma, go away and don't try to get any closer to Silvia," he says in a cold tone. Emma just stares at him in silence. "Get out of here, you're just causing trouble," Sofia tells her. "I thought I had married a great man, but apparently, I made a big mistake for which I am now paying the consequences. Trying to win your love is not worth it," Emma says, filled with anger and feeling helpless. "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." "I want us to divorce as soon as possible," she replies, and leaves the room without looking back. She is already resigned and determined to distance herself from the man and his family who despise her so much. As she walks toward the exit, she bumps into someone entering the hospital. "Excuse me," the man says. "Excuse me," she responds, looking up at him. Standing before her is the handsome man with gray eyes who had helped her during the accident. "You again," she says, surprised. "You're better now?" he asks, noticing that she is leaving the hospital and observing that his arm is still in bad condition and hasn’t been bandaged. "I've decided to leave. I don't have anything recorded, and I'll seek medical assistance elsewhere." "Do you want me to accompany you?" he asks, concerned that something might happen to her on the way. "No need. I'll call my family to come for me. Thank you anyway," she says, and leaves him behind. Emma exits the hospital as quickly as possible and takes a taxi. As she rides, she laments and cries without restraint. "Miss, are you alright?" the driver asks, worried. "Don't worry. Just take me to this address," she says, handing him a piece of paper with the address written on it. Emma sheds the last of her tears, her only desire now is to separate from Matías and distance herself from his family. The taxi driver drives for almost an hour before arriving at a huge mansion. "I think we've arrived," he says, uncertain if this is the right place. "Okay," she replies, rolling down the window and leaning out to speak to the security guard at the gate. "Hi, Max." "Hello, Miss Emma. It's a pleasure to see you here again." "Thank you. Please open the gate; I want to enter." "Of course." The taxi enters the grounds of the mansion, and after Emma pays the driver, she gets out and heads to the entrance. She rings the doorbell, and the family butler opens the door. "Miss Taylor, welcome. Please come in," he says, holding the door open for her. She enters the house and goes to the living room, where she finds her brother Cristian on the phone. "Hello, brother," she says. He looks at her with a surprised expression, having not seen her for over two years. "Emma, you're back," he says with a smile, recalling the day she left the house. That day, she had told him she would only return if her family accepted her spouse, but here she is now. "Please tell me you’re back to stay." "Yes, I'm here to stay. I've decided to divorce and come back to my family." "I’ve wanted to hear that for a long time. You don’t know how happy I am to have you back here," he says, moving toward her and giving her a huge hug. "Aaargh!" she cries out in pain. Her brother has unintentionally hurt her arm while hugging her. "Are you okay?" he asks, worried. "I hurt my arm, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine," she says, trying to reassure him. She doesn’t want him to know the full extent of what happened or to seek revenge. "Let’s go to your room so you can rest. I’ll call the family doctor to check on you," he says, still concerned. "Okay, let's go." They head upstairs to Emma's room, which has been kept tidy and clean despite her absence. Once in the room, Emma lies down on her bed. "It feels good to be back," she says, feeling comforted by her familiar surroundings. "You should never have left. I wonder what you saw in that i'mbeci1e that made you choose him over your family." "I know I made a mistake, but you know that I am only human and can make mistakes. What matters now is that I’m here." "You're right. We should celebrate the return of my dear sister. For now, I'll call the doctor. Stay here quietly while the doctor arrives; in the meantime, I'll ask for something to eat." "Okay," she replies, and Cristian leaves the room, leaving her alone. Lying on her bed, Emma closes her eyes, trying to hide the discomfort in her arm. While she rests, she thinks about Matías and wonders what he is doing now that she is no longer in his life. Matías has spent a lot of time in the hospital with Silvia and her mother, who seem to get along very well, unlike Emma. The two women were always at odds and argued frequently. At this moment, he is heading toward the house to discuss his divorce petition. His driver has just arrived to pick him up. "Carlos, I want you to take me home," he says, noticing a package next to him. "What is this?" he asks, picking up the package. "It's something the lady bought. She was excited because she had something special planned for both of us, according to what I heard," Carlos replies, and Matías feels a pang of guilt as he remembers how she had spoken to him. "Do you know what happened today in the company's parking lot?" "I heard that the lady was run over along with another woman. I hope she’s alright; she’s a very good person," Carlos says, and Matías looks at him in surprise. Never before has Matías heard any complaints about her from the staff. On the contrary, they all speak highly of her, and she feels comfortable with them. He decides not to ask any more questions and remains silent until they arrive at the house. Matías enters and goes up to Emma's room to talk to her calmly, but to his surprise, she is not there. Remembering her words, he checks her closet to see if she has left and taken all her things. Everything appears to be in place, so he decides to search the house for her, but she is nowhere to be found. He then goes outside and calls his driver. "Tell me, sir, do you need something?" "Did Carlos take my spouse somewhere?" "No, the lady didn't come with me, but I remember seeing her get into a taxi," Carlos replies. "Where could she have gone?" Matías asks, growing increasingly worried. He picks up his phone and tries to call her repeatedly, but she doesn’t answer. At that moment, Emma's voice telling him that she wants a divorce echoes in his mind. "Has she really left me?" he asks himself, feeling a deep emptiness inside. The Taylor family doctor has finished examining Emma and providing the necessary medical care. Fortunately, her arm hasn’t suffered any fractures; she only has contusions and a twisted nerve, which causes pain. The doctor has prescribed medication for the pain and inflammation, and she should be fully recovered in a few days. Feeling much better, Emma is eating something when she hears her father’s voice in the distance. "I want to see my daughter!" he calls out as he opens the door to her room, accompanied by his sister. "Dad," Emma says, feeling ashamed for having been a poor daughter and abandoning her family for someone unworthy who has never truly loved her. "Daughter, my love, you’re here with your family," he says, embracing her. "Yes, Dad, I'm back." "Sister, you don’t know how happy I am that you're here. I’ve missed you very much." "I’ve missed all of you too," Emma says, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Your brother told me you should divorce that man you married." "If it's true, I've decided to get a divorce." "That guy is not up to the level of a Taylor. I don't know how I allowed you to marry him and compromise your identity to be part of a family that is beneath our standards," her father says. Emma smiles and snuggles into her father’s shoulder. The Taylor family is one of the most powerful and influential in the country. Her spouse’s family will never match the wealth of the Taylors, who own countless hotels and shopping malls, as well as several companies. "Dad, I’m a little tired now, and I just want to rest." "That’s fine, my dear. We’ll discuss your divorce later. For now, get some rest." "Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best," she says, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Everyone leaves her room, and she is left alone. Emma takes out her phone from her bag, which has been on silent, and finds several missed calls from Matías. It’s clear to her that he has called to discuss their separation, but at this moment, the last thing she wants is to argue with him over the phone. She decides to go to sleep and will call him tomorrow when she feels better. Two days have passed since Emma returned to her family. Matías has tried to communicate with her, but she has refused to answer his calls. Her anger and disappointment are stronger than she had imagined, and now the only thing she wants is to be away from him. It's Saturday, and Emma is in the garden of her house, taking a walk while she observes the flowers and contemplates the beautiful morning. "What are you doing here alone?" he asks as he stands next to her. "I just want to contemplate how beautiful this garden is." "You haven't been here for a long time. I understand that you want to be outside, but it would be better if you stayed in your room and rested. I want you to recover soon." "If I stay locked up there, I'm going to have an anxiety attack, and that's the last thing I want." "You're thinking about Matías," she asks, and this takes her by surprise. "You're curious about what's going on in my mind, aren't you?" "The truth is, the only thing that interests me is that you are happy, but above all, that you stay away from those people who hurt you." "Don't worry about my brother. I've already spoken with my lawyer, and today Matías will receive the divorce papers. I'm determined to leave him, and there's no going back." Emma is more than determined to leave her spouse and does not intend to back down. Even though she loves him, her self-love must be greater, so she must prioritize her happiness above all else. "That being the case, in a week we will have a welcome party for you. I'm thinking of inviting your ex to the party. It's time for him to realize the big mistake he made by despising you." "Okay, I think that's perfect." Emma returned to her room a few minutes later, where she received another call from Matías. This time, she decided to answer the call and find out what he wanted. "Hello," she replies indifferently. "Emma, you finally answer. I've been calling you, and you haven't responded." "What do you want?" "Where are you? Why haven't you come home?" "I have nothing to do in that house, and I already told you that I want a divorce." "So you meant it." "Of course I did. The best thing you can do is sign the divorce papers in good faith, or I will be forced to annul our marriage." "You don't have to threaten me or be so abrupt. Send me the documents, and I'll sign them." "Well, this afternoon my lawyer will come to see you so you can sign the divorce. Goodbye," he says and hangs up the call without giving her a chance to say anything else. Matías is incredulous to see how Emma has changed and the different way she has spoken to him. She had never behaved like this before. The woman who always sought his attention is now completely different and shows no interest in him. "My love, what are you doing?" Silvia asks as she enters Matías's office, accompanied by her mother. "I'm working. What do you want?" he responds coldly. "I'm just here to see you, darling. Does that bother you?" Silvia says, pouting. "Son, why are you behaving like this toward the woman who will be the mother of your child?" his mother demands. "Mom, Silvia is supposed to be recovering from an accident for the sake of our son, but she’s here when she shouldn’t be." "I'm fine, and the baby is out of danger. You don’t need to worry," Silvia says somewhat nervously. "What happened was more of a scare. Silvia didn’t suffer any harm. I think the angels protected her and freed her from the bad intentions of that woman," her mother says, referring to Emma. "That's right, the car didn’t hit me," Silvia adds with a smile. At that moment, Matías remembers seeing Emma lying on the ground due to the impact. He still hasn’t reviewed the security footage to understand what happened that day. "I’m busy right now. Please leave me alone," Matías says as he picks up some documents. "Alright, we’ll go do some shopping. You continue working," his mother says, and she and Silvia leave the office. Matías has doubts about what happened and wonders if he should check the footage from the park’s cameras to see what really occurred that day. Determined to clear his doubts, he calls his secretary. "Carol, I need you to contact the person in charge of the video surveillance and request the footage of the moment of the accident involving my spouse and Silvia." "Of course, sir. I’ll get back to you right away and ensure you receive it today." "You don’t need to rush. Just get the recording and then pass it to me." "Okay," she replies, and after that, he hangs up the phone and continues working. Almost an hour later, his secretary contacts him. "Yes, Carol?" he says while analyzing some documents. "Sir, Mr. McGregor wants to see you. He says he’s your spouse’s lawyer," she informs him. Matías is surprised to hear this. He had thought the divorce was just a tantrum from Emma, but it seems it is real, and she is determined to leave him. "Let it go," he says. The lawyer enters his office with a folder in hand containing the divorce application papers. "Mr. White, it is a pleasure to meet you," the lawyer says in a polite tone. "I don’t think this meeting is for anything pleasant," Matías responds, indicating that the lawyer should take a seat with a wave of his hand. "Well, whether the day is pleasant for you depends on how you receive my client’s divorce application. To be honest, it’s quite favorable to you since she doesn’t want anything from you other than to sign the documents." "So she intends to divorce me without demanding anything?" "That’s right. She has asked me to tell you that all she wants is for you to sign the papers immediately. Then she can become a free woman, just as you will be, and you can marry whoever you want," the lawyer says, handing him the folder with the documents. Matías takes it and quickly reviews the papers, confirming that the lawyer is telling the truth—Emma is not demanding anything from his money or property. "She really just wants to separate from me." "That’s right. Please sign so we can get this over with." Matías takes a pen and, feeling somewhat doubtful, stamps his signature on the documents. At the moment of signing, he feels a great weight on his chest, and something inside him suggests that he has lost something valuable. However, he ignores these feelings and finishes signing the papers. "I am glad to have cooperated with you. I hope we meet again under better circumstances," the lawyer says before standing up and leaving. Emma is in her room when she receives a message from her lawyer informing her that the divorce papers have been signed and that she can now practically declare herself a free woman.		Dreamnovel		438	https://www.facebook.com/dreamenovel66/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2732291	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:40 AM	1740993502	1746884458		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481058943_662867306166371_650704429989180276_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w7mErIj4LCoQ7kNvgGPu9yj&_nc_oc=AdjkIp49zH8JnIxjOuggtV2XGfZ2MJGsrY4r_jot0PvxFuc7WS3qt3AWIC6zwJGdAINJJP2NHmZ-TpKdSvHe3YzZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBBAtvImT2YY71yzuMG_hZC73amwTRG5QcDXAjkTObKZA&oe=67CB5136	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731769	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:02 AM	1740993491	1746882147		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481271474_1016321707211546_6918466231842978755_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1z8mtzFtHX4Q7kNvgHNbYNW&_nc_oc=AdhWuEq_Bsed123FQqGvWjltF7ySjf1voWqB7YzMejSa0kOgWWD-ZnHBU5s3hB7cLmZQLAMOSvj7oLuXIP1jKREo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYAVS3F3GNtybk2gKe-k0D8qk76e-Dnq5Qx2zp2vG_ul0A&oe=67CB4E6F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731874	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:42 AM	1740993493	1746884534		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480936682_1300550421248197_6384151195417315146_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RbSMH9nIy8AQ7kNvgHRaohu&_nc_oc=AdgKlFFd1RE4gT_SUbdoUvZG7XlB_xiFqBx-j7BSEjOBu2f8sU8etELlBB2RFLnQvlZziPumpZYzgZERd7MIrxzh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYAhNciUNLEdc0tfFwAV-u3KSokdHetYjB3BsiOTC67yQA&oe=67CB584B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732145	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 8:05 AM	1740993499	1746882349		2747																										consumerguide.pro	Learn more			IMAGE	Tingling, Burning, or Numbness? This Quick Quiz Reveals What’s Really Happening!	Struggling with nerve pain, burning feet, or constant pins and needles? This simple sugar trick, backed by Harvard research, provides fast relief in seconds. Learn how 200,000+ people have used this home remedy to get rid of neuropathy pain for good!	https://www.consumerguide.pro/vlp/nerve-pain-fix-t837779/o624487/			7.2398626110645E+14	ConsumerG	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481276116_1771304660319085_3414178558623018490_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fcC16xGL0SIQ7kNvgES2DgR&_nc_oc=AdjJAr2cRwF1sha90RE94RHbaARYCvuX2t2BFWymOOaaOLnd6CedJHA21vy88cwaDnRLSZxJRBjCXX87-5Tux5Xc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-ZLnTiYg2fB_l95hEhwXHd&oh=00_AYCa6NWuf1yX0YiXpyY0C3cHeQUeX7AJlfjikC-3BUplag&oe=67CB475B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For years, I thought the tingling and numbness in my feet were just a part of aging… until I discovered the shocking truth hidden in a study from Johns Hopkins. I tried everything—painkillers, massages, expensive creams—but nothing worked. The numbness got worse, and I feared I’d lose feeling in my feet forever. Then I stumbled upon something unexpected… neuropathy isn’t just about poor circulation. It’s triggered by 3 harmful enzymes silently damaging your nerves. I took a simple 20-second quiz that revealed what was really happening in my body—and the best way to fight back. Now, I can finally feel my feet again! Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take this quick quiz to uncover what’s behind your nerve pain and how to stop it. Tap below to start the quiz.. 👇👇👇		ConsumerG		563	https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerG/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731462	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 11:28 PM	1740993484	1749788906		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481235700_1153728639871032_7553001232521372579_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ANsopWtnxLYQ7kNvgHXqCgf&_nc_oc=Adh6ekbkJQ5NH6GaFdXqXIGv1wivprOdIGqQofYu1gS10l2pef7-WziyFIhCnvrXGd7QHY00xJQ9nY9qEqE_UgwX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYCcdwn6YembvmEYgYsaOGRVWkvFMPexlIJ2LlHkFE6Bmg&oe=67CB55D0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731426	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 10:15 PM	1740993484	1749611703		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F79E5A930F21EB2213AC70F11C478EA351D6A7EAD60E49A7			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480857514_1658937914707910_121303072697508301_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i0vegb3JNTkQ7kNvgEcttrg&_nc_oc=Adi5o7qXc0C9K_U7En8MHejhkR4-Q06Xk1Iyqpiu5w1d5n1s0zaMKX2W6plF2ptOC6x-PKgIttnp_rVgalF0_NRI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYBytwTOjR3lcHQZ71PI1l42DG17C43R3_5afck42uxTIQ&oe=67CB4BFF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731921	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 12:02 AM	1740993494	1749790955		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481903854_814915980829432_2503878374673934203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2kAAsL-pEWsQ7kNvgHtmmJv&_nc_oc=Adh4u0zNgzXJ24bk5s_Xr1nvLXQe1p231f0D248eC7bGMI8eYIGEDUVagHMKTJWJLqqxJ3PyldfsuuUYqY3AKs0U&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYC56QIa2KiA1LC8GjjliTrXZmHM9RusFrys3-xZDKHCXQ&oe=67CB3F85	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731867	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 12:27 AM	1740993493	1749792458		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480668665_638864528759722_3154651889461350817_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=o-QGqVca6o0Q7kNvgE4CWpq&_nc_oc=AdjpyR7ECdlOC0yjUpdSi7GrO65USma9WBp0nFdNE22msI09vmcjqE_GZoJXhggQuySsuKVF__X6ZoSeFFANGg_5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYDiIJeA66oBiVsl97MzVWTHzo5LqGlr1Qe0fR5pRUH1xQ&oe=67CB4D95	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731713	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 12:28 AM	1740993490	1749792481		2747																										consumerguide.pro	Learn more			IMAGE	Tingling, Burning, or Numbness? This Quick Quiz Reveals What’s Really Happening!	Struggling with nerve pain, burning feet, or constant pins and needles? This simple sugar trick, backed by Harvard research, provides fast relief in seconds. Learn how 200,000+ people have used this home remedy to get rid of neuropathy pain for good!	https://www.consumerguide.pro/vlp/nerve-pain-fix-t837779/o624487/			7.2398626110645E+14	ConsumerG	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482807562_1346726633198625_2072376882498349844_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7tjUKOlXylQQ7kNvgGGODY4&_nc_oc=AdgVRAajU1Ay6hCwMxt8xyuyPQYwpVbBSfTEUlA-2Oyhs-WwUu1aocjrRfIZI_Bl4nD4Htjds6bEPttLuQnta5Gm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYCOscbttKSZW4M3V5Ju_vmL3kJgI5isiHOkLWV3LZTjAw&oe=67CB3DDA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For years, I thought the tingling and numbness in my feet were just a part of aging… until I discovered the shocking truth hidden in a study from Johns Hopkins. I tried everything—painkillers, massages, expensive creams—but nothing worked. The numbness got worse, and I feared I’d lose feeling in my feet forever. Then I stumbled upon something unexpected… neuropathy isn’t just about poor circulation. It’s triggered by 3 harmful enzymes silently damaging your nerves. I took a simple 20-second quiz that revealed what was really happening in my body—and the best way to fight back. Now, I can finally feel my feet again! Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take this quick quiz to uncover what’s behind your nerve pain and how to stop it. Tap below to start the quiz.. 👇👇👇		ConsumerG		563	https://www.facebook.com/ConsumerG/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732081	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 12:52 AM	1740993498	1749793966		2747																										www.fastresults.online	Learn more			VIDEO	watch now		https://www.fastresults.online/			1.0406665188644E+14	Sonho em Realidade	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481126830_1839211413490940_7528635566008984133_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0LQs96ZNm58Q7kNvgHuYZh_&_nc_oc=AdjZ_cf-2wfgUDY1_XYmYzTBJc1VTzf99P3rNOO5mz26chA99kVMUZu8FjePwAREaSnUOmr4pl9UJPZtrwBuE3NK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYCUelyuoDeL35DQVjdIVf9753hhhFDUNux4AJnUCbl_Dg&oe=67CB3A5E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		the medical community is an uproar		Sonho em Realidade		62	https://www.facebook.com/Sonhoemrealidadee/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731704	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 1:14 AM	1740993490	1749795244		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481082219_939947161456154_3814308184415504865_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=c6xBVKBsHLMQ7kNvgFNwLZL&_nc_oc=Adg-84B9xeI_fvHHbyWNqVYTfhXHqjOcVeGH1YSwdQcSyvNDqN7UQjsVvKwEKb2-q4m_r3eYv76LsfDC9uSsjvOO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYDoYkhsfD-yh-6c-49jK3E-XoHf3NFrEjoNyU5I4B7fGg&oe=67CB2F34	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336045	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732313	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 1:15 AM	1740993502	1749795337		2747																														VIDEO						1.3751030961681E+14	Medical College of Wisconsin	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480818162_1350236026401219_5998861054481677104_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oeK2Wkq3mxUQ7kNvgHtnQXQ&_nc_oc=AdjpAACFSWUljVvGAKk1PZJphHAMXqCt-YXMui4KOFvxErTGglaD_px0ZB8YtPC--2UG2mQFFTzAzRBGiGIehO_P&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYB7KtWcapB2U9n3kbv3TG0M97LHEComYHB3ZvPy8U2ubg&oe=67CB3CFD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we chat with Srividya (Vidya) Kidambi, MD, MS, Chief of Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, about the body's physiological adaptations to a fasted state or calorie restriction and the implications for successful weight loss.		Medical College of Wisconsin		44359	https://www.facebook.com/medicalcollegeofwisconsin/	0										View Edit Delete
2731774	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 2:11 AM	1740993491	1749798717		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218210890170082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481195560_989333745966161_3404393807462082953_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lWMZCs6lvrAQ7kNvgG7eowq&_nc_oc=AdicygGYBbdIBlWpq1zhE1BoquOfv2UN6TrQNSW9q96Omg0n48d39XVlOk0LB77FAe-NLbvSbHku3eiksKuHIpae&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYAFK3pubHagLSFQxG4oLBGkPp5KfdEV5o98DyEA9_ILnw&oe=67CB261E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2731750	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 10:50 AM	1740993491	1746892244		2747																										www.dramawavew2a.com	Download			VIDEO	After Divorce, I Owned Three Billionaires		https://www.dramawavew2a.com/ads/0/1723/view?c={{campaign.name}}&af_adset={{adset.name}}&af_ad={{ad.name}}&af_c_id={{campaign.id}}&af_adset_id={{adset.id}}&af_ad_id={{ad.id}}&af_channel={{placement}}&af_dp=We6aeoNN98			4.4219694563594E+14	DramaWave	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481822610_1765239297655057_456995150888917242_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7w88yLq7WjAQ7kNvgFatzio&_nc_oc=AdjQYFD_WLmnKSoYCC_kgqQaUJLU8xmE01_tJyktGK92HvmbOCDk_572EvtS5LKa92Of0713Y2Drk6h6pZTZ9GGN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=And1EdA2IEbikeeaRxpOOAK&oh=00_AYCfRFGSykWl5-4b6Qe4qf1K_4ZbrWV1Spklet8tYK9mTw&oe=67CB3DD2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Grace，the heiress Charlton Group, was rescued by Aaron in a kidnapping incident three years ago, but she didn’t see Aaron’s face. A man named Declan claimed he saved Grace, thus Grace married him for gratitude. To help Declan’s business, Grace covertly assisted him from behind. However, when Declan succeeded, he immediately demanded a divorce and prepared to marry Fiona, the heiress of the Charlton Group. Grace tried her best but changed nothing. To her surprise, there were three different billionaires—Aaron, Liam, and Nicolas—vying for her attention after her divorce. Guess what will happen between Grace and three handsome men?		DramaWave		1451862	https://www.facebook.com/61565741817654/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2731807	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 10:43 AM	1740993492	1746891798		2747																														VIDEO	I got a strange signal from an unknown girl					1.5797363407561E+14	FILM ZONE	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481211552_529101709760356_8767987712815112668_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jKA9zsKYIOkQ7kNvgFv0K0o&_nc_oc=Adg_fMCrwSOsFxGoTM-AZk9FYUVMinU7SPjzw9EROUrresdTkB969s7VFpxbuayUNwGgcn6hz0YdH2gl5pv4wMdI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYCLyX_7nahbB44svhuaNNJue08TFcnK13OZpjWR0TfbRg&oe=67CB3D40	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Strange signal from an unknown girl? #storytales #animated #filmzone #viralvideoシ		FILM ZONE		34422	https://www.facebook.com/Netify.Filmzone/	0										View Edit Delete
2731560	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 2:40 AM	1740993486	1749800458		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480772745_1289328145513195_6607129024158870502_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PPUEc5IJOEAQ7kNvgHeEyN2&_nc_oc=Adg4G6fFw120_Kp_XR26OSutfJ4o2URMCzCUt1fJHBvX1fkEkwT-D8-neQgPRlekznxf-JKvbxh4gFow3Z8RsAgH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYDulJj5xqTJN1PkL3CWCDVHYdwqrUjybfe0alUQbe4Mbg&oe=67CB41D2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732295	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 3:08 AM	1740993502	1749802131		2747																										tastenovel.readlife.mobi	Learn more			IMAGE	The Possessive Alpha Twins Mates		https://tastenovel.readlife.mobi/47nm10c00.html			1.0264170208862E+14	IReader	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480916666_1961803661007695_632539174502630600_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T-1zWC4ZrbgQ7kNvgEhxIAh&_nc_oc=AdiY7-3y4Hy2zIyXGMCVi9XGLCYA3RqbLqYP64f9Kt_7cHIiIOhdeA2eVxPeDCS428vKlv8twaviNB9bRCKqXbcL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBOF_E6lRqtxlUW90GRzZ634YBwxWYr2E1SIaUyX_JH_Q&oe=67CB52E3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥🔞My best friend was inside me. On my boyfriend's bed. Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him. "I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, getting ready to give my boyfriend my cherry. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I looked up into his eyes. I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" He froze above me at that moment and his groggy voice spoke above me, "Avery?" It wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's voice, but my best friend... Alpha Xade's! Avery's pov Today is my boyfriend Kyan's birthday and I wanted to surprise him by seducing him and giving him my virginity. I had planned it for months and I think I am finally ready to give it to him, however, things get a bit complicated when it's not him that ends up inside me. ___ "I think it's too much," I grumble under my breath, tugging at the very short skirt I had borrowed from my friend Melissa. It's a floral figure hugging skirt that showed off my body in a very sexual way. I topped it off with a simple white cropped top and wore the silver necklace Kyan gifted me a few months ago for my twentieth birthday. Under it is a red lace thong and bra, Kyan's favorite color on me. He said it makes me look incredibly sexy and I want to look incredibly sexy tonight for him. She rolled her eyes where she was on the bed and let out a puff of air. "I think you look sexy and Kyan will not be able to take his eyes off you." I chewed on my lips. She was probably right. Melissa had a knack for being right anyway. I pushed up my glasses on my nose and twisted around to get a better look. I was skinny but had a good size bottom and chest area. "You look good V, now go surprise your man!" Melissa hopped off the bed and strut over to me and gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. She did something funny with her lips and then motioned for me to sit on the chair. " Let me curl your hair better. Maybe add a little makeup too," her voice beamed with excitement to doll me up further. I sat in the chair for longer than was necessary getting my hair curled to perfection by my bubbly friend who had mentioned she was tired earlier but the exhaustion seem to have magically disappeared. Afterward, Melissa did my makeup and I clenched my eyes shut as she sprayed the setting spray on my face. I scrunched up my nose and she giggled. " Come on its not that bad," she snorted. " Oh, it is," I say, holding in my sneeze. I hated the setting spray, it would always raise up my sinuses. Melissa set it down on the table and lifted her hand up in surrender. " Okay I am done, I no longer have the weapon," she shifted to the side so I could see my reflection in the mirror. I am stunned. Just a little bit of makeup and it has enhanced my beauty by a lot. I looked bewitching with the way she added the eyeliner. Wow. It brought out my grey eyes, I can even see the small flecks of green that have always been hard to notice. "You look incredible and he'll be so happy to see you," Melissa whispered, giving me a smile while she fixed up my curls. I nod, sighing. "I hope so. It's a surprise." I played with the ends of the skirt nervously. "He will love it," Melissa grinned and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Now hurry before the dorm monitor catches you sneaking out." I nod, standing up and feeling the weight of nerves settle in my stomach. Seeing my anxiety Melissa squeezed my hand reassuringly. She knew what my plan was and even though she didn't quite like Kyan, she told me it was my decision to give him something so precious to me. After a small prep talk from her, I walked out of the dorm, throwing the side bag strap over my shoulder and smiled at one of the girls who walked by. It's late already, around ten thirty p.m. Kyan should already be in his bed. He had already texted me earlier to say he was off to sleep. It took me a good ten minutes to get to Kyan's dorm which he shared with Xade Archer, the notorious bad boy on the campus and my best friend who I had known for years. We had grown up together and practically knew everything about each other. Joined at the hip my mom would joke about. My family always moved when I was younger and we finally settled in a small town where his dad was a mayor. I can remember the day we met, we were around ten, and me being shy hid behind the teacher who was introducing me to the class. Xade was the first to become my friend after an annoying girl pushed out her foot to trip me. I had stumbled and fell right on top of him and let's just say we had been the closest ever since. As I near the door, a bundle of nerves shook me. Xade was not home, Kyan had mentioned he went off to a party and wouldn't be back yet. Knowing Xade, he'd not be back until morning so this was a good opportunity for Kyan and I to do the deed while he was away. I'd definitely not want my best friend to hear me have my first time with his dorm mate. That would not only be embarrassing but I didn't think I would be able to face him again. The pressure in my lower stomach was weighing down heavily and my pulse quickened. I hauled in air through my nose and pushed it out lightly through my mouth, trying to relax my growing anxiety. My body had become clammy and I was sure if I didn't get in that room soon, I'd collapse. The corridor was empty, thank God for that. I didn't want any guy to see me sneak in the room even though my boyfriend is in there. I flushed. They'd definitely know what we will be doing in there. I took out the spare keys Xade had given me months ago. I wanted to surprise Kyan and this came in handy. My clammy and trembling hands struggle to push the key in the hole and after a few struggles I finally did it without waking up anyone. The room is completely pitched black and I contemplate if to put the lights on or not. But decided I was nervous enough as it was and needed it to be dark to even grow some confidence. It shouldn't be bad right? Just stick it in and be done with it? I closed the door behind me lightly, seeing the shape of his figure in his bed, covered by his sheets. He's facing away, sleeping on his side. My heart raced. This was it. I would finally give him my virginity. I walked to the bed, taking my time so I'd not trip. I'll just be quick. With anxiety building in my body, I reach his bed and leaned forward, whispering. " Kyan," He let out a sound, kind of like a tired groan but I wasn't sure. The sound of my heart was ramming too loudly in my ears for me to focus on his response. He shifted, turning on his back and I quickly straddle him, my breathing coming in short pants as I got ready to give my boyfriend my virginity. # 2 Avery's pov Just get it over with Avery. I chanted in my head as I leaned forward and kissed Kyan's cheek. I frowned when I felt a slight bit of stubble. He had shaved yesterday, was it possible for his stubble to grow back so quickly? The thoughts flew out quickly when his hands clamped on my hips to keep me on his lap. His hands made me squirm. His touch was lighting up a fire in me. It burned. I lifted slightly and pushed down the sheets off him and straddle him once more, moaning when I felt him nudge at my opening. He makes a soft grunt sound again under me and I took this as an invitation to kiss down his chin while I begin to dry hump him, rolling my hips in a way I thought would be seductive. It worked because he was so hard as a rock under me, I could feel him pressing against me. Wow. He felt huge! Was he even going to fit? I nibbled on his chin, making him buck up his hip and of course for his hardness to rub against me. Since I had a short skirt on it was hunched around my waist and my thin lace panties was a sad excuse of a barrier. He felt so hot. And I was so wet. " I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, rolling my hips over him to feel him. He felt so good. It's kind of strange actually, I have straddle him before but it has never urged me to feel so incredible or want more. In fact before, I would squirm and make an excuse for us to not go further. But tonight, something has changed. There's a burning desire, a need, a claim to have him inside me. I rocked my hips and his hands on my waist tighten as he pumped up, groaning sexily. He sounded more hoarse too. Sexy. So sexy. I am so wet I can barely think. All nervousness flew out the window when I felt just how excited he was under me. I press my palm to his bare chest, surprised by how tone it felt. It's never felt this tone before but perhaps it feels a bit different now that he is naked. I push out my tongue, running it along his cheek, an odd need to taste him overcoming me. He grunted, hips flexing up, his hardness smacking against me. His fingers dig into my hips and then they sweep over to my bottom, gripping them. " Oh," I moaned, rolling my hips more and surely wetting his boxers with my juices. But I didn't care. I was finally going to do this. My nips harden when one of his hand grip my breast and squeeze. His touch burned through me and sent shivers of pleasure to rake through my body. I needed him. Gosh I needed him. I panted, letting out little sounds of pleasure as he rocked his hips up to meet my little dance. I could no longer wait. There's something building, something I want right now. I am desperate as I push off him a little and free him of his boxers. I can't really see him but I feel him when I wrap my fingers around his girth. Oh hell. He really is huge. I gulped. Even though there's a little fear that he won't fit, my walls cry, begging for him to come right in. I push out a nervous breath, straddle him and with one hand push my panties aside and guided his tip at my entrance. He feels so hot in my hands and I can feel him pulse. It's now or never. Holding my breath, I pressed down, taking the head of him into my very tight opening. My jaw slackened and his loud moan made me shiver. Oh God. This feels so good even though it stings. He goes back to gripping my hips, hard and pushed up slightly as I descend on him, pulling him further into me. "Ohh," I whimpered when the head of his member brushed against my hymen, the barrier. I can hear his strangled breathing in the room, feel his pulsing length inside me, snuggled by my walls that clench around him. I am soaking him and he seems to enjoy this. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. And I did, with one push, I let him break through me and bit my tongue by the tight full feeling. My thighs shook and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Hell, he was too big. I stilled with him inside me, trying to adjust to the mere size of him. It feels like he had grown bigger if it was possible and I feared he'd stretch me out so much I'd need stitches after this. He rubbed my hips, still pulsing inside me. It was as if he was trying to soothe me and it was working. My aching muscles begin to relax around him and the pain dulled until I no longer felt it. However, I can feel him. Hot and throbbing. Every inch of him was inside me, every single inch. My walls squeezed around him and he groaned, nails digging back into my flesh. The sounds coming out of his mouth were sexy and in response I became more wet and the fire that pricked me earlier began to bloom once more until I needed him so badly. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I lifted slightly, my walls gripping around him in reluctance to let him out. But if I don't move and ride him I would die. I stopped until the tip alone was inside me and slide back down on his length. He shuddered, pulsing and gripped my waist as I began to move. Our rough breathing filled the room as I bounced on his hardness. He filled me over and over and I swore he was growing. He pulsed, gasping as I rocked my hips. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it was so so good. Why hadn't I done this with him sooner? I can see myself doing this with him more than once tonight. Hopefully, before Xade gets home. My skin was prickled with beads of sweat, on my forehead and even on my upper lip. His body seemed to be growing warmer too and the sounds that left his throat grew a bit more.....rouged. I gasped, pressing my palms on his hard chest and riding him. I could feel every inch of him, feel the tip of him nudge against my womb. He feels so good I whimper. " Ohh hmm," I moaned, my clit throbbing and my walls sucking him in. With a hiss, Kyan flipped us over as if he was fed up with my slow movements and was desperate. A scream tore through my throat when he angled my hips up and began to pound into me, feeding me his huge girth. It's a good thing I was so wet. The sounds of our intimate parts meeting was even louder than our loud breathing and cries of pleasure. He hovered above me, so powerful and intimidating. He pressed against me, one of his fists beside my head while the other hand gripping my top and tore it off, revealing my red lace bra. He couldn't see it in the dark but he felt it. He cupped my breast, his thumb brushing against the lace material where my nips had beaded hard for him. I let out a strangled moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I am aware that I am growing even more wet and I am so aware of how hard he's pounding into me right now. I don't tell him it's too much because I took all of it. I took every inch he gave me and I loved it. I loved it so much I moaned out ' yes please give me more.' And he did, angling his hips in a way that made the tip brush a very sensitive part inside me that made me let out a scream of pleasure, my eyes rolling back. I am very sure I may have woken up most of the guys rooms that are closer. I almost felt bad. Almost. But I was so full of pleasure and so full of him that I couldn't think about anyone else or how loud I truly was. My walls gripped him as he thrust in and out and he grunted above me, dropping his head on my chest and pushing down my bra to reveal my bareness. I cried when his lips wrapped around my bud, nipping and sucking. I shivered. His hair was brushing against my neck, soft and smelled strangely of apple. Since when does Kyan use the apple shampoo I bought for both him and Xade? The thought flew out the window when his teeth wrapped around my pebble and he bit hard. My hips bucked up at the assault and I scratched down his back, surely marking him with my nails. " Oh," I whimpered, becoming a mess under him. " Oh please," I moaned, pushing my hips up so I could take every inch he was giving to me. He groaned and let out a sound that didn't quite sound human, however, I was too lost to focus on it or question what I had heard. Tears were flowing down but it was not because of pain but because of mind-blowing pleasure. The tip of him was rubbing against that sweet delicate spot again and was creating a pressure feeling that was building up like a tight fist in my lower stomach. Every nerve in my body seems to be on fire and it feels like I am on the verge of exploding. I am panting, trying to catch my breath as his rhythm changes into a more desperate urge. He was pounding me into the bed. The headboard knocking on the wall with loud aggressive pounds. If he keeps up this pace the bed might break. His thrust became more urgent, more hungry and I cried out with every thrust of his hips angling forward. I cling to him, my thighs shaking as I cry in desperation to free the tightness that had built in my lower stomach. He let my bud go with a pop and brought his mouth so close to mine that I was sure he would kiss me. But he didn't, only kept his lips so close that it felt like he was teasing me, which made me feel more desperate. His breath mingled with mine, every pant, sigh and moan drawing me closer to releasing that tightness I felt. His breathing was ragged and fast, hitting my lips as if taunting me to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. But I always hated Kyan's kisses and didn't want it to ruin the pleasure he thrust into me at the moment, so I don't give in to my craving and bit my lips to try to suppress the sounds of pleasure coming out of my mouth. Kyan growled above me. I noted how the sounds that left his throat almost reminded me of an animal. It sounded so possessive, so primal, so beastly. And as I looked up into his eyes, though I knew for sure I would not be able to see them, I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? That's odd. Just as I saw the strange color, I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" Kyan froze above me, yet his tip shoot his warm cum in me while I squirm and shiver as I come undone under him. I am still riding the after shocks of my pleasure when Kyan's groggy voice spoke above me. Only that it wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's, but my best friend Xade's. "Avery?" # 3 Avery's pov My heart seized. Completely stopped working. His voice had entirely penetrated and punctured the haze of pleasure we had just been in. Xade. This voice above me belonged to my best friend Xade. The cock inside me belonged to my best friend Xade. The dick I had just been riding... Xade.... Xade! I try to wrap my head around the situation I had just put us in as realization dawned on me. Something heavy dropped in my stomach. Was it dread? Fear? Regret? I wasn't sure. I couldn't think properly with his cock still throbbing inside me. And it didn't help that it was growing back hard and twitching. With trembling hands I push them on his sweaty chest, the same chest I had press against while I rode him. Oh God. My face heated up, the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. " Oh my God," I whispered, tears of shame pricking the corners of my eyes. This cannot be happening right now. I did not just sleep with my best friend. I did not just give him my virginity. I did not just get rammed by Xade freaking Archer. What have I done? What have we done? There was no going back now after this. The line is already blurred. Oh my God. My face was so hot I knew I was so beet red. I am thankful he cannot see me right now. " V?" he whispered softly and his cock twitched. Oh God this is embarrassing. " I'm sorry," I found my voice and clenched my eyes tightly as it came out filled with shame and regret. " I thought Kyan was home and you were out. I- I choked up, my chest heaving as I fought the bubble of urge to cry. How humiliating. If I had just put on the lights I would have noticed it wasn't Kyan and this wouldn't have happened. I just gave Xade my virginity. I tremble under him and Xade flipped us over, holding and hugging me as I cried with silent embarrassed sobs. He was still very much inside me and still hard. His hands lift in my hair and he soothed. " Shhh it's okay V," But it was not. We just slept together, I mistook him for my boyfriend who was his roommate and good friend and gave him my virginity. And not only that but he and Mel had a thing going on too. The line was more than blurred right now it was trashed. I screwed up. " I didn't- I hiccuped, sobbing and burying my face in my hands. I would do anything for the ground to open and swallow me whole to avoid this embarrassing situation. " I am so s-orry Xa-de," I croaked out, I didn't want to lose him. I definitely didn't want this to come between us. How would I face both Melissa and Kyan too? Oh God. When I felt another twitch inside me, I grew hot and awkwardly pull off him. I can't believe he was hugging me while still being inside me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed. I winced. Now that the haze of desire had evaporated, the pain of my muscles being pounded and used was very present. It feels like I had been rammed by a truck. Xade was definitely packing like Mel had boasted about. I winced. Mel... How was I so stupid to not have noticed that this had been my best friend all along. The strawberry scent, only Xade used the shampoo I bought them. Kyan had said it smelt too fruity and I knew Xade hated it but he was always one to make me feel happy. He was always more toned than the guys here too, and his hands were massive. I should have known they were not Kyan's clumsy hands. Xade had mapped my body with his fingers too skillfully for it to have been Kyan's. And those groans that had fluttered beside my ear, the grunts of pleasure- My face is hot and I scramble to right my panties, fixing my skirt as I rolled off the bed. Xade reaches out for me, his long fingers wrapping around my wrist to stop me. I sucked in a breath at the burning feeling his hands left on my skin. I had always felt it, but tonight it was way hotter. Almost like a scorching tingling fire. " Wait," his hoarse voice says through the awkward air. My heart rams against my chest. Oh God. Don't say anything to embarrass me please. I already didn't know what more I could tell him. Tears burned my vision. I really had royally screwed up. " We don't have to say anything," his voice is a whisper in the dark, caressing me. I hated that it did. " What?" I breathed out, my heart kicking up a notch. " We don't have to let anyone know," his thumb brush against my wrist as if trying to soothe me yet coax me to come back to bed. I didn't know which one. " This can stay between us." My heart leaped in my throat. Is he saying that we should pretend this never happened? That I never gave him my virginity? Would it save our friendship and our relationships? " Like it never happened?" I whispered into the night, searching for his eyes but it was so dark I couldn't see anything. It takes a good while for him to answer and when he did it comes out hoarse and thick. " Yes," he replied. " Like it never happened. You thought I was Kyan and I thought you were Melissa." His words feel like a punch in the gut even though they were nothing but the truth. However, he was giving us a way out of this shameful incident and how could I not take it? We could go back to how things were right? I will be able to face him tomorrow? I swallowed and nod. " Like it never happened." I agreed and pulled my arm free of his grip and fixed my clothes that he had ruffled. My top was yanked down but thankfully he had not torn it during his ravaging. As I left the room and closed the door behind me, the ache between my legs mocked me with a memory that I will never forget. # 4 Avery's pov Forget Avery. Forget about his breath on your lips, his cock inside you. Forget about it. Everything will go back to normal tomorrow. I chanted in my head as I made my way down the corridor. I am thankful it is still empty and no one is around to witness my walk of shame. As I made my way down the stairs I winced, the throbbing pain between my legs pushing back the thoughts of what had just happened. I still can't believe I had mistaken Xade for Kyan, straddled him and didn't give him a chance to protest as I practically seduced him. Why hadn't he said a thing? Why didn't he say Melissa's name? If he had I would have known who I was sleeping with. Sure he had been sleeping and probably tired when I approached him and straddled him but afterward he was clearly wide awake and practically pounded into me. I shook my head, blinking back the guilty wave of tears. I sniffled and continued my way down and froze when I saw the familiar chocolate color hair. Kyan. My heart thrummed. How could I face him after what I had just done? Panic settled in my stomach and I am begging God for a way out of here without him seeing me. But it would be impossible. There are only stairs up ahead and nowhere else to hide. And Kyan is already making his way up with a bag of chips in his hand and a soda. Had he gone out to buy those stuff while I had been with Xade? A swam of guilt and shame made me stumble and I nearly fall, grasping for the rail before I hurt myself. The little rush of surprised air from my lips pulled his attention, something I didn't want at the moment. Great. Just flipping great. He looks surprised to see me, as he should since I hadn't told him I'd be coming over. Giving him my virginity was supposed to be a surprise, a birthday gift for him being patient...well kind of. I was no longer a virgin.... Kyan had been my boyfriend for two years now. We met at this very college and he and Xade became friends and roommates. That's how we got introduced and a few months later I finally accepted his offer to a date. We never really had that spark but seeing Xade having that crazy college experience I decided to give it a shot too. Kyan was great, not a very good kisser but he was sweet and would buy me cotton candy. He wasn't Xade drop dead gorgeous but he was fairly attractive with chocolate hair, brown eyes and a sharp jawline. He was attractive enough to garner girls attention when we were out, not as much as Xade capture but one or two girls would certainly look. " Babe?" His thick brows are furrowed and a look of confusion cast through his eyes as he bounds up the stairs a bit more hastily. I nervously smiled, awkwardly stopping so he'd not notice how I walked. If he saw, he'd definitely know that I had been fucked. " Yeah." I croaked and inwardly closed my eyes in frustration. This night couldn't have gotten any worse. He smiled when he reaches me, towering over me even though he was a step lower than me. " I wasn't expecting to see you here," he leaned forward for a kiss and my belly did that odd somersault thing that nearly poked my urge to vomit. Before his lips could touch mine I turn my head so his lips could touch my cheek instead. I feel so guilty it's eating me up inside. He pulled away, his brows furrowing more. " What's wrong?" he demanded. I smiled awkwardly. " Oh nothing," I lied. " I just had some onion chips earlier and I know you hate the stench of onion." Was I being too obvious something happened? I didn't know how to act. This was the first time I have screwed up so badly and didn't know what to do. I was always the 'good girl' like they had labeled me for years. A good girl doesn't sleep with her best friend whose girlfriend was my friend. A good girl doesn't mistake her best friend for her boyfriend. If I was being obvious, Kyan didn't show it and smiled, nodding. " So why are you here?" his eyes twinkled. " At this hour and wearing this sexy skirt?" his eyes drop to my skirt. I flushed, not because his words invoked the fire Xade had earlier but did the opposite. I shifted on my feet. " I- Come on Avery think. " I was coming to surprise you but I saw Xade in there. Didn't you say he was out?" I pointed my thumb at the back of me. Kyan shrugged, shifting the bag in his hand. "Yeah he came back earlier. Something about the full moon and a headache." Right. Xade said he hated full moons because somehow he always feels like shit whenever it's up in the sky. For years when a full moon shows up, Xade would be locked in his room. But when we were back in the small town, he and his family would not have anyone come to their estate during that time. Some people thought they were odd, but I didn't. Concerned curled in my belly. Was he okay? Is that why he had been trying to sleep it off and I came up and practically screwed him? " Now I am intrigued," Kyan pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and want. His tongue licked across his lower lip and his eyes lowered to my cleavage. The little that showed. " What kind of surprise?" I smiled nervously. I had surely trapped myself. " Just a sweet surprise. Nothing special. But I must go now, Mel texted me that the dorm monitor is hot tonight and I don't want to get caught." " Oh," Kyan murmured in disappointment but still nod. " I'll see you tomorrow then?" he goes in for kiss but I sidestep him and wave. "Yeah," I strut down the stairs without looking back. " I'll see you tomorrow." If I can still walk that is. It was taking everything in me to make my walk look natural, but the ache between my legs was refusing for me to look natural right now. # 5 Avery's pov When I got back to the dorm, I was breathing hastily. Melissa is already asleep but when she hears me stumble a bit on one of her heels, she turns around and puts on the lamp. I winced, lifting my hand over my face to block the assault. " Well well well," she drawled out playfully. I wished she hadn't because now I felt even more guilty. " What do we have here? Hmm? A girl who had just gotten shagged?" " Christ Mel," I turned beet red under her scrutiny and looked away, pushing off the shoes I had on. " I did not get shagged." Oh but I did. Hard and fast. By....Xade. Melissa lets out a rush of disappointed air. " Really? But your hair looks a mess and you're spotting a red flush. Even your skin looks sweaty. I know when someone just got fucked V." I gulped, my hand instinctively going to my hair to fix whatever was a mess. " It's very windy outside." I half lied, going to the closet so I can change. I am tempted to go to have a shower, but I feel so tired I just want to sleep. " Uh huh," Melissa didn't believe me and I don't blame her. I didn't sound convincing at all. Guilt bit through me and I am thankful she doesn't question me further. After I put on the huge shirt that covered my small figure to my knees, I made my way to my bed and sank in the sheets. Mel puts off the lights and I turn on my back, my palm lying flat on my stomach as I stared at the dark ceiling. I didn't like this feeling of guilt but I didn't like the feeling of craving for more either. I sighed, forcing my eyes closed and wishing I could just forget the night but knew that it was impossible. __ The next morning I am grateful I do not have classes until later today. I can sleep in for a little longer and try to heal my aches naturally with more sleep. I hadn't caught a wink of sleep last night and had tossed and turned. Even Mel got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Xade and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. " You lucky bitch," Mel say as she leaned forward to put on her canvas shoes. She lift her head, her braids falling over her face. " No morning classes. What I would do to be you right now." Trust me Mel, you'd not want to be right now. But instead of speaking my thoughts, I only sent her a smile and tugged the covers to my chin. " I get to sleep in longer, enjoy your lecture." I closed my eyes, forcing out a fake yawn. " Hey, we're still up for afternoon brunch with the guys right?" My eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I had completely forgotten that we had set up a kind of double date with the guys at the diner where I worked at. I swallowed. Xade will be there...and Kyan and Melissa. Fuck my life. " Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. " Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since last night?" she questioned, straightening her spine. I shook my head. " I am fine, just may have caught a little draft because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. " But you know how busy Xade gets around this time," she pouted. " He barely makes time for me." I wanted to point out to her that Xade and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Xade didn't do relationships, however, he and Mel have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl before. Things may be getting serious and I hope I haven't ruined it. " Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. " Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. " I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder and I replied back. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shooting right through my soul instantly. " Xade?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and wincing at the movement. His eyes flicker to my thighs and I instantly flushed as I am now reminded again of what happened. So much for pretending nothing happened between us. I suck at this. Melissa let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close by I was sure cringed. However, I don't cringe, only sink my teeth in my bottom lip as my heart feels like it has just been ripped out of my chest.		IReader		106540	https://www.facebook.com/IReader.story/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731383	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 8:23 AM	1740993483	1746019429		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481117996_1847407316002200_936800762303763876_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0gfxnZWc9eoQ7kNvgEejBZm&_nc_oc=AdjHOkrUn5sUtBnOZSNKfXcc28n8n3tbC5sQ-gBSYKOo4dHy_jWmvbe96zVo4knYPoYrwPGqnUAzv-vS73aKeFBe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCHnsmq9CSC1i81qFwsvLQHRm_mYUy0O0Mtu6JrfxeiVg&oe=67CB59A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731503	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/9/25, 6:07 PM	1740993485	1749510421		2747																										www.nanosocks.com	Learn more			VIDEO	This “Shuts Down” Neuropathy (Proof)	NanoSocks are the best compression socks for travel and everyday wear! They’re comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and they keep your feet feeling great all day.	https://thatsnew.nanosocks.com/pre/nano/indext.php			1.8074409628848E+15	Healthfeed	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481314381_1033828965457763_3958622286977532638_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iJZ6XK5OOsQQ7kNvgFD0TKu&_nc_oc=AdglaELBHxbPRlZ5PBB_j0QYVjrvfMdgVcTUxQbWmjbYSiPVZcSQ_t8OhFT2iqtpSajq8-ho3_zMLoVvxpzFYWig&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDEvFzG8IOAr3Am45nGUmHqebqd6hkc-PdeZsDuAKqEKw&oe=67CB5B68	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I’ve battled neuropathy for years until I tried NanoSocks. These really work. The difference from before is truly amazing.” -David B. ⭐️ Ultra-Comfortable Fit! ⭐️ Plush, High Quality Materials! ⭐️ Get Back to Enjoying All Your Favorite Activities!		Healthfeed		10642	https://www.facebook.com/gohealthfeed/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731828	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 3:20 AM	1740993492	1749802805		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8637664123143E+14	DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482051094_1188567882987985_4138619736877223101_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YXc9zkT-qPsQ7kNvgFGawXE&_nc_oc=AdhDTl9ch48WYe7B_LOoMUeM8A-HFkc7hb2hpj51tddDektPLoiUXVWe2lHM8i8a-3vfTlS-2F9rnA7dIiM5OLJD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYAuQgcZurtrWu-IeCYOcEAiSlD-2QKJpFKTe-GITKOFDA&oe=67CB2B64	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox - Streaming de Dramas Cortos		2327894	https://www.facebook.com/61565078571830/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732260	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 5:08 AM	1740993501	1749809301		2747																										read.americanhealthjournal.org	Learn more			IMAGE	Harvard Exposes: 5 Nerve-Damaging “Toxins” Causing Neuropathy in Seniors Across the U.S.	THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL AND NOT AN ACTUAL ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE.DISCLAIMERThis website is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice and treatment from your personal physician. Visitors are advised to consult their own doctors or other qualifi...	https://trk.skatrk02.com/67b42a69b88b44fbc273aff9?v1=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&v2=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&v3=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&v4=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&v5=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&v6=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&v7=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&v8=%7B%7Bsite_source_name%7D%7D&utm_source=MD-fb-nerve&utm_medium=paid			5.817074150231E+14	Mandy Rogers	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481069522_973889291475191_5813397234208303866_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ymlH45RikgwQ7kNvgGGlL2T&_nc_oc=AdhkxO6IDz0FmlkVQMLzcr08tUalLCq1GKwuGFkxjRf8hLCtH7i9iMG9uzVlD68zueab7sj44AvzjjaUgQwuiEu6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMfw3qxBJshQQQ0gNU6bEPw&oh=00_AYBy6coIvNdCw50322OEjKaj8HaTgYAmazbhccgRvA5JVg&oe=67CB471B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		My Nerve Pain meant watching through tears as my granddaughter danced alone… Until I discovered what was "Really" causing it... Now I'm teaching her ballet moves in our living room every Saturday morning. "Grandma, why can't you dance with me anymore?" Little Emma's innocent question brought tears to my eyes that Sunday afternoon. The Burning in my feet was so intense, I could barely stand… Let alone dance with my precious granddaughter. It felt like I was Walking on Hot Coals... every single step pure agony. How do you explain to a 6-year-old that Grandma's feet feel like they're on fire? That the same feet that used to chase her around the yard, tend to my garden, and dance at family gatherings... were now betraying me? I smiled through the pain. "Just a little tired, sweetheart." But we both knew it wasn't that. The burning had started slowly – just a slight tingling at first. The kind you brush off, thinking it'll pass. Then came the numbness The thousands of needles The shooting pains Soon, I couldn't even walk to the mailbox without gripping my cane for dear life. But the worst moment? When I had to cancel hosting our weekly dinner because I couldn't stand long enough to cook anymore. The tone in my daughter's face when I called to cancel...that mixture of worry and pity... it broke something inside me. I tried everything the doctors recommended: Medications that left me feeling like a zombie The expensive creams that did nothing to help Even those special socks they said would help Nothing worked. The burning just kept getting worse. "This is just part of aging," they said. "You'll have to learn to live with it." But how do you "live with" feeling like your feet are being blow-torched every single day? How do you accept becoming a prisoner in your own home? Then one Sunday after church… I overheard my friend Martha talking about how Nerve Pain had nearly confined her to a wheelchair. I couldn't believe it – Martha, who now ran the church bake sale, who danced at her grandson's wedding last month… Had suffered from burning feet worse than mine? I cornered her after service, desperate for answers. "Oh honey," she said, seeing me lean heavily on my cane, "I know exactly what you're going through." What she told me next shocked me to my core... She explained how a neurologist had discovered that certain foods we eat every day were creating something called "toxic plaque" in our nerves. This plaque was literally suffocating our nerves from the inside out, causing that terrible burning sensation. "Karen," she said, lowering her voice, "Did you know that one of the most common breakfast foods is actually the worst culprit?" Then she told me about this weird “Pepper” Hack that was helping people flush out these nerve-destroying toxins. I was skeptical at first. After all, I'd tried eliminating everything from sugar to gluten... But Martha grabbed my hands and said something I'll never forget: "Before I learned about this, I was just like you - trapped in my rocking chair, missing out on life. Now look at me! The difference is understanding what's really happening to your nerves." That hit home hard. When she explained how this toxic plaque builds up over time, everything started making sense... Why the pain got progressively worse... Why normal treatments weren't working... Why doctors couldn't seem to help... So I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose? The first few days, I didn't notice much difference... But by the end of week one, something changed. I realized I'd made it through an entire day without reaching for my pain pills. Then I noticed I could feel the carpet under my feet again. By week three, the constant burning had reduced so much, I actually slept through the night for the first time in months. But the real miracle? Last weekend, when Emma ran up to me asking for our special dance... I was able to take her little hands and twirl her around the living room, without fear, without pain, and without my cane. The look of pure joy on her face – being able to dance with my granddaughter again – I couldn't hold back the tears. But this time, they were tears of joy. My husband says I'm like a different person now. My daughter can't believe the change. And me? I feel like I've gotten my life back. I can garden again. I can cook again. I can be the grandmother I want to be. I'm sharing this because I know there are others out there suffering like I was. Watching their independence slip away... Living in constant fear of every step... Missing precious moments with their family... If that's you, please know there's hope. I've shared a link below to article that explains everything. It's a short read, but it might just change your life like it changed mine. Don't let burning feet steal any more precious moments with your family. You deserve to feel like yourself again. Take Care and God Bless		Mandy Rogers		3085	https://www.facebook.com/61572661484060/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731706	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 4:49 AM	1740993490	1749808146		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481672125_614852931177093_1912205234819251127_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lk9NgxcGPRkQ7kNvgFo3T4L&_nc_oc=AdiatV_5F1DTrEEQ3H75w56JY-NtiXrDedMhe3XDrO-VPUr-T1ciqhh2jZTz_NufnPkQAT_YnxcBTZ_ja6s033vm&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYDDq2c3nzp0UIt691-KyoTozqxqO0HsGyKafReTN_g44Q&oe=67CB4934	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336049	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731768	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 3:40 AM	1740993491	1749804029		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480865469_933161521995969_623977487940611572_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LyOLwchGyIsQ7kNvgEFhRL2&_nc_oc=AdgnAenBvx0bUghrYyh95JBH375ppTfmpSRilXCjNBmRP6hGWp5664nKujqanuqILa-yQ4SAHLOEufjeW9r6iZ5C&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYAjKwqGDJ672VGGsHbJreMY3aRUyI31j5_UltlTs7o6Lw&oe=67CB3FD6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		Lereader-Excellent Novel		676	https://www.facebook.com/61550357834620/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731434	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 9:03 AM	1740993484	1749823436		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	$27 Neuropathy Exam. Book Now.	117+ Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	http://fb.me/			1.0844664403844E+14	Amazing Wellness	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481479294_2388944468133194_5286162856979466757_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UrgQSMCru-cQ7kNvgFpb0bZ&_nc_oc=AdjvrPEdbLtDcHDiiNAsACPI2VRzBdT5LdSwQpYIBeidawqOJpcXAtj8hOTI56lisJbr3euKPGj-NLdcryBGNB6u&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDOV5eUZODIhHZQlqElZJyg_KA6WowuN3glVsOhSk-nOw&oe=67CB295B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥 Struggling with pain in the hands, feet, or legs is hard. 😡 Constant or intermittent pain that just won’t go away no matter how much ibuprofen is taken might be peripheral neuropathy. Signs of neuropathy can include: -Pins and needles feeling in the feet -Tingling or burning pain -Loss of hot or cold sensation -Feet that are painful to touch -Restless legs -Difficulty sleeping because of foot pain 🌟 Our approach focuses on more than just managing symptoms; it's about addressing the underlying root causes. 🎉 27 vouchers for anyone who really needs to get care right now. Receive The Gold Standard Toronto Exam for Peripheral Neuropathy – $27 Special! Includes a Nerve Infrared Thermal Scan, Balance/Fall Assessment & Doctor's Report of Findings by Dr. Tony Williams 🎉 "Wow!! They took the time to explain all options and clearly genuinely care and look for ways to improve the quality of life.." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Click "Learn More" to claim the social media special. 🚨 Don't let neuropathy hold you back any longer – reclaim your freedom now!		Amazing Wellness		913	https://www.facebook.com/amazingwellnessnaples/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732133	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 12:21 PM	1740993499	1746897668		2747																										discovery.site	Learn more			VIDEO	Breakthrough alert: Lemon peel for tingling!	92% have no idea!…	https://journale.site/preneuro/			5.5020497818151E+14	Caroline Reed	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480979020_655115250529609_7311339557071434527_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Sgo_CjKx8GQQ7kNvgH3ojVF&_nc_oc=AdgCQT-hSwouJyFifGGjRKcJBR7qF9SdUH_a_J9QAVtO0cp_xSMi3M6GxdexhZTOAu4J6woTbFshWvmXV30dCgCP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ArX1BYvLu7IUt1I4yByIiox&oh=00_AYAQiQFdjiacJIIBdkZlQ1VZqpJ_fLCG6ImLKQebE5rBGA&oe=67CB3389	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😱😱 Ever wondered what's causing that relentless tingling in your hands and feet? And the worst part: how to finally ease that sharp, nagging discomfort? 🚨 The answer is simpler and more natural than you think! A groundbreaking trick is changing everything... And the best part: no expensive medications or invasive treatments required! 🍋✨ Discover the secret of the "Lemon Peel Trick" – the powerful trick that could transform your quality of life and give you the relief you’ve been searching for! ⚡ You won’t believe what happens when you try this simple technique. 👉 Click now to uncover this secret! Don’t waste any more time! Relief might be just one step away... Today!		Caroline Reed		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573801580912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731770	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 12:11 PM	1740993491	1746897063		2747																										www.kwmobi.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜The Pack's Doctor📜		https://www.kwmobi.com/share/middle/t1bkzp0f3f12klzsffqskveq?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120218211196940082&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.1430268509944E+14	Lereader-Excellent Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481080368_1333468527681648_6177022195501789682_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SJ6Ad0-id-UQ7kNvgHmBGFw&_nc_oc=AdgX8R2Sl59lF_zGVD7GxAT_aZwSdfjPXeVHSGH5GBPbd8udolNIhpMZ-ne0r9HuLK0voetgoxiDk47a4O9iYlo-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYCD44Ka1dnkjmmoRCP_H7vuyCwqFlTrRMTrVpvbIN-Cnw&oe=67CB4B8A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💖🔞💋 Yara It’s been too long since I’ve let Annika out to run. With the number of classes that I’m taking and the heavy schedule I’m keeping at the university, there isn’t a lot of time to eat, much less let Annika run. But I have to let her out. She’s becoming more and more restless. ‘School is boring. Humans are boring. I want to do something fun,’ she grumbles in my head. ‘We’re going for a run, Annika. Calm down.’ ‘Next time, don’t wait so long.’ It’s been a couple of months since I took her out. She’s right, it’s been too long. But I know how the packs fight, and I haven’t wanted to risk getting in the middle of a battle, or worse, getting caught by Simon. ‘I’m too smart for him to catch us. Besides, he has no idea that we’re still so close to the pack.’ By ‘so close’ she means two hours, but it is too close. A wolf can run nearly as fast as a car, and when that wolf is on the hunt? Goddess forbid anyone gets in their way. In the past, when I’ve taken Annika out to run, I’ve taken her in the opposite direction of Simon’s pack. Well, technically, it’s not his pack, it’s his father’s pack. Alpha Solomon has been the Alpha of my previous pack for as long as I can remember. His son, Simon, is a nasty piece of work. He loves to fight and he loves to kill. The two of us couldn’t be any more different. I like to heal, and I like to save. For whatever reason, Simon set his sights on me. I don’t know why. I’m an orphan, I’m not ranked. My parents were warriors and while I can fight, I prefer to use my biggest strength, my brain. Simon much prefers to use his strength, his Alpha strength. He doesn’t have to work for it, being genetically predisposed to being larger and stronger than most wolves in the pack, so he doesn’t appreciate what he has, in my opinion. Me, on the other hand, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve achieved in this life, with the help of Alpha Solomon. My parents were killed in a pack war when I was young. Alpha Solomon took over as my guardian and made sure that I was cared for all my life. Maybe it’s because he never had a daughter, or maybe it’s because I’m more like him than his own son, but he’s always looked after me, even to the point of sending me away from the pack when he realized that his son had taken an interest in me. He knows Simon is no good, and he didn’t want me to suffer with his son’s infatuation. When we get to the spot where we like to run, I stop, sniffing the air, making sure there are no other wolves around here. ‘Annika?’ I ask, making sure she’s not smelling something I’m not. ‘No other wolves,’ she says, almost sadly. She misses the companionship of being in a pack. I look around once more, then make my way into the forest before stripping off my clothes and tucking them onto a tree branch, high enough that someone would have to look up to see them. I have a spare set of clothes in the car, just in case anyone steals these. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. Rather than assume that someone was being malicious, I choose to believe that they needed the clothes more than I did. They’re only clothes after all. I let Annika pull the shift, feeling my bones snapping and reshaping after so long of not shifting. It’s more painful than it should be, but soon enough, Annika is shaking out her reddish-brown fur and taking off into the woods. Even though I’m in the background while Annika runs, I can feel how good it is to stretch her legs, to feel her muscles flexing in her body as she runs. It’s quiet tonight, thankfully, and Annika’s paws on the ground are nearly silent as she runs, giving both of us a chance to enjoy the sounds of the forest around us. I’m not sure how long she’s been running when we smell it, blood. She slows, lifting her nose in the air. ‘There was fighting nearby,’ she says in our shared mind space. ‘Do you hear anyone?’ I ask. ‘I’m not sure. I hear rustling, what sounds like a wolf in trouble. Do you hear it?’ she asks as she tilts her head from one side to the other. I do hear it. It does sound like a large animal who is struggling. ‘Annika…’ ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says, knowing that, if I can, I will want to help this animal, even if it is a werewolf. It may not be possible, they may not let me get close enough to help. But I’m going to school to become a doctor for a reason. So, I can help wolves in just this type of situation. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way to the sound of the struggling animal. As we get closer, I can tell that it is a wolf by the soft sounds that it’s making. I can’t figure out what it’s doing though. Maybe it’s caught in a snare of some sort and trying to figure out how to get out. Or maybe it’s just stuck in a hole that one of the packs dug to capture other pack members so they can interrogate them for information. ‘Please be careful, Annika. We can’t afford to get caught.’ “I’ll be careful, Yara.’ When we get close, she begins to belly crawl, slowly making her way closer. When the wind shifts, her whole body goes rigid, the scent of teakwood filling my nose and making my body tingle with unwanted desire. ‘Mate,’ she says softly. ‘WHAT?’ ‘That’s our mate, Yara. Our mate is injured.’ This is terrible. This isn’t just an injured animal, it’s our mate. I can’t leave him out here to die, but I also can’t have him trying to take me back to his pack. I have school, and I’m still in hiding from Simon. It’s takes me a moment too long to realize that the wolf, my mate, has stopped moving around. Annika barely breathes, waiting to see what he’ll do. He chuffs at us, letting us know that he knows we’re here. I’m not sure how I know that he’s not going to hurt us, but something in his chuff seems more like a request for help, than a threat of violence. Annika slowly and carefully makes her way through some bushes until we can see him. SHIT! He’s caught in a bear trap. No wonder he’s still in wolf form. If he shifts, it will rip his leg off. ‘I can’t believe he’s not howling in pain,’ Annika says. She’s right. His leg, where it’s caught in the trap is shattered, no question. ‘You have to help him, Yara. He’s our mate. You have to,” Annika practically begs me. ‘I know. I will, if he’ll let me.’ As much as I hate the idea of being naked in front of this unknown man, even though he’s my mate, I have no choice if I’m going to talk to him and try to help him. I pull the shift, standing in front of the midnight black wolf who is watching me with his beautiful, intelligent green eyes. “Hey, big guy. I see you’re caught in a trap. I want to help you. I know you can’t shift, or you’ll rip that leg off and that looks really painful. Your bones are probably shattered but I want to help you, if you’ll let me,” I say softly, keeping my tone gentle. I slowly approach the wolf. Mate or no, this wolf must be in terrible pain and he’s going to be feeling vulnerable, unable to escape. I extend my hand, letting him sniff me and see that I mean no harm. “I’m a doctor. Well, I’m studying to be a doctor, to both humans and wolves. I don’t want to hurt you. Will you let me see if I can help you?” The wolf sniffs my hand, then nuzzles me. I gently run my hand through his fur, stopping when I come to stiff fur that smells like blood. I don’t want to know what else is in this wolf’s fur, but I can guess that guts and bones are stuck in there as well. He’s obviously been fighting and whether he got separated from his pack, or he was part of a group that intentionally separated out trying to cut off the other pack’s escape, he’s now out here alone without anyone to help him. Well, anyone except me. I look up, trying to see where the moonlight is so I can get a better look at the trap. “Okay, big guy, are you able to move to your right a bit? I need the moonlight to help me see how I can spring this trap and set you free.” He moves to his right, keeping an eye on me as I carefully look over the trap. “Nasty piece of work,” I mumble to myself. “Stupid idiots doing this to each other.” I look back up at him. “Okay, I think I’ve figured it out. Before I spring this trap, you need to know that when I release this, it’s going to hurt, really bad. But then you’ll be free and I can take a look at how badly your leg is broken,” I tell him. I already know it’s shattered. I can see bone splinters sticking out of his skin from above the trap. I move my hands in position. I’m going to need Annika’s strength to help me open this trap. “Try not to bite me and if you can, try not to howl. I have no idea if there is anyone else nearby that might hear you, or try to come hurt you,” I tell him. He chuffs at me again, letting me know he understands. “On three, ready? One… two … three!” I say and push the release with all my strength, Annika pushing with hers as well. I feel the spring give and the trap snaps open. The wolf yelps but it’s quickly cut off as he moves away from the trap, keeping his injured leg off the ground. He turns, looking at me a moment before his bones begin to snap as he shifts back into his human form, his ridiculously gorgeous, tall, muscular form. .............................................................................. Warren I can’t believe that Arric and I got caught in this bear trap. Brady! I know he’s the one who set this trap. He knew that he and his pack would retreat this way. I raced around, attempting to cut off their escape route, but I’d ended up caught in the trap. I know my pack will come back for me, but they’re in a battle and I’ve been waiting for them to find me for hours. When I wasn’t able to cut Brady off, they continued following his pack, hunting them down like the dogs they are. I knew immediately that I couldn’t shift. While I could use my hands to spring the trap, it was too risky. I wasn’t willing to lose my leg and therefore my rank as Alpha. While the pain is significant, Arric and I are strong Alphas, and I know it's only a matter of time before the pack finds me and gets me out of here. We’d been struggling with a way to get the damn trap off when we’d smelled her. I’ve been looking for my mate for over ten years and now, here, in the middle of the forest, in the middle of an area covered in blood from a recent battle, I find her. Her cinnamon and nutmeg scent instantly calms Arric. Her wolf is a beautiful reddish-brown color and she’s obviously a skittish little thing. Through all of her conversation with Arric, she never once gave us her name. So, as soon as she releases the trap, I step back and begin to shift so I can talk to her. The shift hurts like a bitch, my bones trying to reshape but unable to in my leg because they’re in pieces. I watch her eyes go wide and she scoots back, farther away from me. “Easy there. You just got me out of a trap. I may be a vicious Alpha when I’m hunting my pack’s attackers, but I’m not the kind of man who kills someone who just helped me,” I say. Because she didn’t give me her name, I’m resistant to giving her mine until I know what pack she’s from. “You said you’re a doctor?” “I’m studying to be one,” she says, watching me carefully. “For humans and wolves?” I ask her. It’s unusual and I’m in desperate need of a good doctor in my pack. My doctor needs to retire. I need someone young, someone intelligent, someone like my little mate here, to take over my pack hospital. “What pack are you from?” I ask, not sure I care. I’m at war with so many packs that the odds of her being from one of them are highly likely. Of course, she’s out here on her own, not fighting with a pack, which is also unusual. “I’m not from a pack. I’m a lone wolf. Did you want me to look at your leg?” I notice that she changes the subject away from her. Interesting. Or maybe not, lone wolves are alone for a reason. It makes me wonder what happened to make my mate a lone wolf. “Yes. I would appreciate your medical assessment,” I say, wanting her closer to me. I know her touch will help with the pain. She moves closer and her intoxicating scent fills my nose as I take in her beautiful body. She had looked shy but determined when she’d shifted. Her lean body isn’t as muscular as the wolves in my pack, which makes me think she hasn’t been part of the pack wars for a while. However, the softness of her only adds to the allure. My finger twitch with my desire to touch her. “What’s a lone wolf doing out here all by herself?” I ask. “Letting my wolf out. It’s not easy when you go to a human university,” she says, not looking up at me. I, on the other hand, can’t look away from her. She’s beautiful. The reddish-brown fur of her wolf is now long reddish-brown hair on the woman. It falls over her shoulder as she looks at my leg and I watch as she distractedly flicks it back over her shoulder and out of her way, as if this is a common occurrence in her daily life. “You know there are pack wars going on around here,” I say. She may not be mine yet, but I want her safe. “There are pack wars going on everywhere. If I tried to find someplace where war isn’t happening, I’d have to run in the human areas and risk hunters shooting Annika. You’re going to need surgery on this leg. You have multiple fractures, several being compound fractures,” she says, once again diverting the conversation from herself. I already knew I was going to need surgery. I could see Arric’s bones sticking out of his leg when we were in the trap. “Annika? Your wolf’s name means merciful? How appropriate for a doctor,” I say, still studying her. Her fingers on my leg are gentle. She seems to inherently know where to touch so that it only causes minor discomfort. “Gracious or merciful, yes. And Annika is a wonderful wolf,” she says proudly, still not looking up at me. I’m about to tell her that Arric agrees when I hear my Beta’s howl. My mate’s head snaps up and I smell the scent of her fear as her heart rate spikes. However, she doesn’t run. She looks like she’s about to take a protective stance in front of me. A perfect Luna, pushing her own fear aside to help someone in need. I smile. She’s perfect for me. “Relax, it’s my pack coming back for me,” I tell her. “Oh, well then, that’s good, you need to get someplace safe. Hopefully, they won’t attack me for helping you.” “I’ll protect you,” I say, smiling at her discomfort. My warriors come rushing up, surrounding us as my Beta, Charlie, shifts and snarls at my mate. “Who are you?” I snarl at him, startling both of them. “She’s the one who got me out of the bear trap I was in. Stand down!” I command. I won’t allow anyone to disrespect my mate. He looks at her, then turns back to me frowning before crouching to look at my leg. “How bad is it?” “Bad.” “Okay, let’s get you back to the pack,” he says, getting a couple of warriors to help me up. I wrap my arms around their shoulders and lift my bad leg, gritting my teeth against the pain. “Ready, Alpha?” Charlie asks. “Yeah, let’s go.” Charlie shifts, taking point as guard, and the warriors holding me start to move fast. “Wait!” I say, and everyone stops. “Bring the doctor." "The doctor?" one of my warriors asks. "The girl! Bring the girl," I bark, turning to look at her. I can see that she was ready to slink away. I watch her turn and look behind her as if judging whether or not she can make a run for it. “Don’t even think about it,” I say to her. Charlie’s wolf, Gregor, moves swiftly to her side, nudging her forward with his head. I don’t like how close he is to my naked mate and Arric growls softly. Her eyes flash up to mine. “I should go,” she says. “Like you said, there are a lot of pack wars going on around here. I probably should get home.” “Home?” I ask. I know I sound arrogant. The woman is a lone wolf going to school. Where exactly is home for her? I’m not letting her go back to wherever she wants to go. I’ll never see her again. I know from the little I’ve learned about her that she’ll never let her wolf run in these woods again. And, by the time I healed and went to find her at the university, I’m sure she’d have transferred. She’s too skittish to stay where she might get caught. “School,” she says, clarifying her intended destination. “Hmm, well, as you just reiterated, it’s not safe out here, especially for a lone wolf. What kind of Alpha would I be if I left you to fend for yourself? No, I think you should come with us,” I say and my voice holds no room for argument. She presses her lips together and stands, nodding, and reluctantly following behind me. .............................................................................. Warren Charlie orders two wolves to flank my mate, keeping her safe, but also making sure she follows my order. ‘Alpha?’ Charlie asks in the mind link. ‘She’s my mate.’ ‘Oh shit.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Does she know? She doesn’t act like she recognizes you as her mate.’ ‘I’m not sure. She’s a lone wolf, but she’s going to school for human and veterinary medicine.’ He turns and looks at her. “Wow. A smart one.’ ‘Apparently.’ ‘What did she say about your leg?’ ‘That I need surgery.’ ‘Well, no offense but I could have told you that.’ ‘Let’s see what she says when we get to the pack. And find her a shirt. I don’t like her walking around our warriors with no clothes on.’ He takes off, rushing toward our pack lands. When he returns, his wolf carries a shirt to her in his mouth. I watch while she looks up at me. “We’re about to enter my pack. You’re an unmarked, unknown, young female. I thought you might like a shirt to put on to cover yourself,” I say. If she says no, I’ll insist, but I’m hoping she’ll choose to put it on without me having to demand it. Thankfully she does, looking almost relieved. Good. She’s not the kind of woman who flaunts her beautiful body for all to see. When we get back, I’m taken straight to the pack hospital, asking Charlie about other injuries the warriors sustained and what happened to Brady’s pack. He gives me the list of injuries as we walk in, shifting and continuing to talk to me out loud as Dr. Stevens rushes up. “Alpha, let’s get you into a room so we can look at your leg. You’ll need x-rays,” he says. “Yes, I will,” I say. “The girl comes too.” “The girl has a name,” she mumbles. I stop and turn to look at her, her eyes going wide. She obviously hasn’t been around a lot of Alphas or it’s been a long time. She keeps mumbling to herself as if I can’t hear her. It’s kind of cute. “If you’ll give me your name, I’ll be happy to use it,” I say to her. “Yara.” “Yara. I’m Alpha Warren. Come with me,” I say, turning back and letting the warriors help me into the x-ray room. “Who are you? Get out!” Dr. Stevens barks at her as we walk into the room. “She’s with me,” I say, ignoring his blustery attitude that a young woman is in the room with us. She looks at him and I’m pleased when she instinctively moves closer to me. I get settled onto the table and Dr. Stevens sets up the x-ray machine. While he does, I watch Yara. She has a very expressive face. Now that I can see her in the light, I can tell that she’s a pretty little thing. I’m sure I’d think so even if she weren’t my mate, but based on the glances my warriors keep giving her, she’s a natural beauty. Yep, good thing she’s got that shirt on, or I’d have to rip their eyes from their sockets. Because I’m watching her, I see her frown, her head tilting to the side as she watches Dr. Stevens. I crook my finger at her beckoning her forward as Dr. Stevens leaves the room. “What was that look?” I ask, realizing that my mate’s eyes are a grey-green color, almost sage. My eyes are green too, but not as dark as hers. “What look?” I just raise an eyebrow at her. Perhaps the pain in my leg is making me less amenable to small talk. I’m trying to ignore it, but it’s not easy and Arric can’t heal me until the bones are set properly. So, I’m not as patient as I might normally be in this situation. She turns and looks behind her to see if the doctor is there, then leans in, her scent filling my nose. “Why isn’t he taking side views? He only took a view from the top,” she whispers as Dr. Stevens walks back in. He glares at her but puts the x-ray up on the lightbox. “Well, Alpha, your leg isn’t salvageable. I’m afraid we’re going to have to remove it,” he says dispassionately, as if he didn’t just tell me that my entire world was about to collapse around me. I feel my stomach clench and my heart skips a beat. At the same time, I hear Yara suck in air. “Dr. Yara, what do you think?” I ask her. If she has any suggestions for me to save this leg, I’m doing it. I don’t care how much pain it’ll cause me, or how long it will take me to recover. I’ve been an Alpha for twelve years. Before that, I was an Alpha in training. Without my rank, without a pack to lead and protect, I have no idea who I am. She looks at me, then at Dr. Stevens who is glaring at her again. “Doctor?” he asks condescendingly. He’s of the old school mindset where women are nurses, meant to be at the beck and call of a male doctor. It’s another reason he has to go. My nurses are constantly complaining and threatening to leave. “Studying to be, but I would suggest getting x-rays of the sides of the leg before determining if the leg has to be removed,” she says, more confidently than I was expecting. She may not be comfortable around me, or even in the pack, but here, in this hospital room, her confidence is clear. “You heard her, Dr. Stevens. Side x-rays,” I say, seeing her glance at me appreciatively for supporting her. In truth, I’m thankful she’s giving me an option, any option to save my leg. “Young lady, what are your credentials?” he demands. “HER credentials are not in what’s in question, doctor. I gave you the order. Side x-rays! NOW!” I bark. Yara jumps as I yell, but really, this asshole is going to tell me my leg needs to be removed and think that I’m not going to fight it? He continues to glare at Yara while he does the x-rays, and when he comes back, he puts them on the lightbox and turns to her with a sneer on his face. I’m about ready to come off this table and rip that look off his smug face. “What do you think now, doctor?” he asks, as if questioning the truth in her title. Yara walks to the lightbox, looking closely at first one, then the other x-ray. “Do you have the original?” she asks, turning to Dr. Stevens. He huffs, but hands it to her and she sets it up on the lightbox beside the others. She stands back, her head tilting from one side to the other. “Yara?” I ask, unable to stop the flutter of hope in my chest. “We can salvage the leg,” she says, turning to me and making me sigh in relief. “You’ve got to be joking!” Dr. Stevens says. “His leg is shattered!” “Yes, it is. And it will take a lot of time and patience. But Alpha Warren has time, and I have patience,” she says, looking at me. “Do it,” I tell her, putting my future into this woman’s hands and hoping I won’t regret it. .............................................................................. Yara I’m not sure if Alpha Warren brought me here because he recognized me as his mate and he didn’t have the strength to reject me in the woods, or if he knew that his pack doctor was well past his retirement years. Either way, I’m here and since I am, I’ll help this Alpha. This is the reason I chose medicine. He doesn't have to lose his leg. It will take a lot of effort on my part, but I'm excited to finally get to work on a werewolf, an Alpha no less. “I’m assuming you want to do this now, Alpha?” I ask him. “Yes, the sooner the better.” “Okay.” I give him the list of items that I’ll need to get his bones put back together properly. “Oh, and we’ll need to sedate you,” I say, looking around the room to see how they have their hospital rooms set up. “Is this where…” “No,” Alpha Warren says. I turn to look at him. “No?” “No sedation.” “Okay then, a nerve block, I’ll just need…” “No,” he says again. “Alpha, please, I’m going to have to wash the area, scrub it clean, I’m going to cut your leg open, pin your skin and muscle back so that I can get to the bones and then slowly put them back where they belong. The pain will be excruciating. You need the nerve block.” “No,” he says again, holding my gaze. I finally look away, mumbling about stupid, stubborn Alphas. When I turn back, he’s watching me with a raised eyebrow as if he heard me. I wasn’t that loud, was I? Crap, I’ve been hanging around humans who can’t hear anything for too long. How much can he hear of my mumbling. The irritable Dr. Stevens comes in, throwing the things I asked for on the table. I jump when I hear a warning growl, looking up to see Alpha Warren glaring at him. “Will there be anything else, doctor?” Dr. Stevens asks. He somehow makes my title, which is the same as his, sound like a dirty word. “No, thank you, doctor. I’ll take it from here.” I go to the sink and begin scrubbing my hands. I’m nervous for a lot of reasons. First, I’m in an unknown pack with an Alpha who is my mate. I have no idea what to expect from him, or really why I’m here. And almost worse than that, he wants me to operate on him while he’s awake! What the hell kind of crazy Alpha is he? “You’re thinking so hard that there’s steam coming out of your ears, Yara. What are so worried about?” he asks me. I turn and look at him over my shoulder. How does he even know I’m worried? Why is he paying so much attention to me? Is this the mate bond? I’ve only had exposure to two Alphas in my life, Alpha Solomon and Alpha Simon. Alpha Solomon is a good Alpha, but he was never this in tune with what I was doing or thinking. And Simon…a shiver of revulsion rolls through me. He was in tune for a whole other reason. The man gave me the creeps. When I finish scrubbing my hands, I turn back to Alpha Warren. I see he’s waiting for a response to his question. “This is going to be very painful. Can I at least give you a local anesthetic? “No, I need to be alert so I can protect my pack,” he says. “You can’t exactly protect your pack with only one leg, Alpha," I snap, my nerves making me bold. “Warren. Call me Warren, and you said you could save my leg.” “I can, IF you are under sedation and I’m not worried about you flinching or yanking your leg away while I’m operating.” “I have a very high tolerance to pain.” That doesn’t surprise me. He wasn’t even whimpering when Annika and I found him. He also has multiple, very faint scars all over his body. The man has been fighting in the pack wars for a long time. He must have a very strong wolf that is able to heal him, over and over. “How strong is your wolf right now?” I ask, getting his leg prepped to wash. “I am very strong, little one,” a deep voice says, and my eyes snap up as Annika begins purring in my head. Warren's wolf is forward, answering for himself. Warren smiles, once again looking as if he knows the effect his wolf is having on mine. Can he hear Annika purring? I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus my attention and NOT on Warren’s incredible teakwood scent. “If I hold the bones in place, one at a time, how long will it take for you to set them?” I ask. “Not long, little one,” he says but it’s practically a purr. “I am a very strong, powerful Alpha wolf.” The way he says it isn’t bragging, but more like preening. My brain flashes an image of a peacock strutting around flaunting his feathers for his chosen mate. “Right,” I say, feeling my body responding to the deep tenor of his voice. It feels like his voice is caressing the nerves in my body, making them all light up with a need I’m unused to feeling, especially when I’m about to do surgery. I look up into the intense, jade green eyes of Alpha Warren. “Are you ready, Alpha?” “Warren,” he corrects. I nod. “Are you ready, Warren?” “Yes, Yara.” I grit my teeth, hating that I know this is going to hurt him, but if he won’t let me at least numb his leg, I can’t help it. I begin washing the blood off his leg, laying a wet cloth over the bloody area, careful that I don’t tug on the bones that are still jutting out. His body is covered with caked blood, guts, and bits of bone, just like I thought it would be. Under the teakwood scent, he smells like war and death. It’s good practice for me, learning how to ignore the smell of battle while I work. I don’t get this kind of training at the university. “Talk to me,” he says through gritted teeth. “What do you want to talk about?” I ask, not looking up as I begin to scrub the blood from his leg. “You know what you are to me?” he asks, although it’s more of a statement than a question. My stomach feels like it’s twisting into knots. "Yes," I say without looking up. "After you have healed, you can reject me. If you do it before, it could impact your healing." I don’t know why the thought of this man rejecting me feels so painful. I don’t even know him. I have no intention of becoming his mate and returning to the packs, at least not until I’m done with school anyway. And this pack is much too close to Simon for my comfort. "Who says I'm going to reject you?" he asks, sounding offended. Now I do look up at him. “But I’m a lone wolf.” “What you are, is my future Luna.” “You don’t even know me,” I say going back to my work. “I know that you’re intelligent, you’re compassionate, you’re brave, and I know that you’re lonely,” he says. The intelligent and compassionate parts I get. That could easily be discerned from me being a doctor and helping him, those two make sense. The brave part I’m not sure about, but the lonely part… “Why do you say I’m lonely?” I ask him, wiping off the blood and turning to get the scalpel. I lift it up, showing him that I’m about to cut into his leg. He nods and continues. “The closest university with a medical school is about an hour north of here. Between here and there, there are many areas where a lone wolf could run, if she wanted to. But instead,” he stops, grunting as I carefully slice into his leg. “Instead, you chose to come to an area that is full of wolves.” He’s partially right. Annika misses being in a pack, she misses the companionship of being with other wolves. Me, I’d be fine living alone the rest of my life, but my wolf likes the smell of the forest and it makes her feel more settled to smell the scent of other wolves. Warren hisses and I glance up at him, watching him take deep breaths to control his pain. “How do you do that?” I ask. “Do what?” “Manage this level of pain?” “Mind over matter. Physical pain will break you mentally if you let it. That’s why people get tortured for information. If you can break the body, you can usually break the mind. My mind is stronger than my body and my body is very strong.” I glance at the scars on his legs again. They're a testament to the accuracy of his words. “You’ve been fighting for a long time?” I ask, cutting and pulling the muscles away from where his bones have snapped into pieces. “Since I became an Alpha, nearly twelve years ago.” “Twelve years?” I exclaim, standing up and looking at him. He’s older than I thought. That eyebrow shoots up again. It’s an arrogant look, but on Warren, its oh so sexy. “I took over the pack when I was eighteen, I’m now thirty, that’s twelve years, little wolf.” “Annika’s not that little,” I say, returning my attention to his leg. “She is compared to Arric.” “Well, Arric is an Alpha wolf. Only another Alpha would be larger than an Alpha wolf,” I say, as I carefully pluck out the first bone. I look at it, checking to see where it goes and then I press it against the bone it snapped off of. “Okay, Arric, let’s see what you’ve got,” I say, carefully holding the bone in place so Arric can begin to heal the fracture. I watch as the bone begins to connect and seal in front of my eyes. “Cool!” I say, forgetting where I am and who I’m with. I’ve been working with humans for so long that I forgot how quickly wolves can heal, especially Alpha wolves. “Is it that exciting?” Warren asks me drolly. I shrug. I know not everyone finds medicine and surgery thrilling, but I do. “It is for me.” “Then it must be my lucky day,” he says, just as there is a knock at the door. I look at the door, then at Alpha Warren, wondering who could possibly be knocking. “I told you I would protect you,” he says smiling. His smile is so beautiful that it nearly takes my breath away. “Come in, Charlie,” he says, not taking his eyes off of me. “Alpha…what the are you doing in here?” he asks angrily, striding quickly to the table and looking at Alpha Warren’s leg, filleted and open on the table. .............................................................................. Warren As much pain as I’m in, I’m enjoying watching and talking to my mate. She’s unlike any woman or she-wolf I’ve ever met. Besides the crazy notion that I would reject her, she’s funny. I love how she’s constantly murmuring to herself, talking to herself as if no one else can hear her. I can hear every word and without being marked, it’s a good second option to knowing what’s going on inside that interesting mind of hers. Her face is nearly as expressive as her murmurs. She hasn’t learned or doesn’t care about hiding her facial expressions. Once again, I find it refreshing. She isn’t trying to be coy or impress me because I’m an Alpha. On the contrary, it’s almost as if she’s trying to get away from me BECAUSE I’m an Alpha. It's not going to happen. I’ve searched for this little doctor too long to let her go now. “To answer your question, Charlie, Dr. Yara here is piecing me back together, slowly and painstakingly, which is preferable to Dr. Stevens plan which was to remove my leg,” I say and my Beta’s eyes flash up to mine. He understands the ramifications of what I’ve said. And as my Beta, he’s in line to take over the pack. Thankfully, I trust my Beta and I know that he has no desire to be an Alpha. It’s not an easy job and he makes it easier by being an incredible Beta. “Are you at least numb?” he asks, his lip curling as he looks at what Yara is doing. “Utterly ridiculous Alpha,” Yara murmurs, obviously listening in to our conversation and giving her own opinions of me that she thinks we can’t hear. Charlie looks at me frowning. ‘She knows we can hear her, right?’ he asks in the mind link. ‘Apparently not,’ I say, smiling. “No, no numbing,” I tell him out loud. ‘I might agree with her,’ he says, scowling at me. “Give me the run down on Brady. Did you kill him?” I ask, watching my mate. “Arric, you ready?” she asks softly, all her concentration on her work. “Yes, mate,” Arric answers and Charlie turns to look at her again, leaning over to watch as Arric heals my bone. “Oh shit! That’s awesome!” he says. “I know right,” my mate says, smiling a huge smile at my Beta. Without thinking, I snarl jealously. Both of them jolt and while it hurts that she tugs on my newly healed bone, it doesn’t break again. “Sorry, Alpha,” Charlie says, showing his neck. She looks at Charlie submitting and then at me and her lips press tightly together. She doesn’t approve. I lean forward so she’s sure that I’m talking to her. “You’re MY mate.” “What I am is your DOCTOR. Temporarily. And if you don’t want me walking out of here and letting Dr. Stevens take your leg, I’d suggest that you not pull that shit while my hands are in your shattered leg again,” she snaps. I sit back, having to fight hard not to smile. Damn, I like her spunk. I turn my head to my Beta, not looking away from Yara. “So what happened with Brady?” “When you couldn’t cut him off, he made it back to his pack. Since we know it’s booby-trapped, we didn’t pass his borders.” “Booby-trapped how? Arric, again,” Yara says, still not looking up at us. I tilt my head. Does she think that she’s part of this conversation? I don’t care if she is, I just know that most doctors would pretend to ignore the conversation going on around them. Not my mate, though. She’s not pretending anything. And somehow, she’s multi-tasking, listening to us and still working on my leg, letting Arric know when he needs to start healing a bone. “Spring-loaded wooden stakes buried in the ground,” Charlie answers her, careful now in the way he interacts with her so he doesn't piss me off. “Stupid pack wars, killing for no good reason,” she mumbles to herself. Charlie’s eyes snap back to mine and I smile. “Anywho,” he says, refocusing on me. “We did get one disturbing piece of information.” “What’s that?” I ask. “Alpha Solomon is dead. Simon is Alpha now.” If I hadn’t been so focused on her, I’d have missed it. Her very steady hand slipped. I lift my hand, telling Charlie to stop. I frown as her hand begins to shake. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I need a break,” she says, stepping away and not waiting for me to release her. She pulls off her gloves and rushes from the room. “Follow her. Don’t approach, but make sure she doesn’t leave,” I tell Charlie. “Yes, Alpha.” When they’re gone, I sit back, thinking, which is hard because my leg is throbbing and laying open on the table in front of me. The door opens and Dr. Stevens walks in. “I knew she wouldn’t make it Alpha. I mean…” he stops staring at my leg. “Just look at this mess! I’ll get ready to remove the leg.” “The you will. She’s taking a break and for your information, she’s getting my bones back together. So, get the out of my surgery room, doctor,” I snarl. “Alpha, I must insist…” “What you must do is listen to your Alpha. GET OUT!” I shout. The door opens and Yara rushes back in, seeing Dr. Stevens. “What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t leave a patient in the middle of surgery!” “CHARLIE!” I bark. “Dr. Stevens,” he says much more calmly than I am, holding the door open and gesturing for Dr. Stevens to leave. Dr. Stevens huffs, but walks out. “My apologies, Alpha. Dr. Stevens is right. I shouldn’t leave in the middle of surgery.” She’s not looking at me and I look at Charlie who shrugs. “What did you call me?” I ask, my irritation with Dr. Stevens tainting my tone. Her head snaps up to mine. “Alpha?” I crook my finger at her and she walks over to me. “And what did I tell you to call me?” I ask her, forcing my tone to be gentler as I take her chin between my thumb and forefinger, forcing her to hold my gaze. “Warren,” she says, her dark green eyes nearly making me forget that I’m in a surgical room. “Warren,” I confirm, reluctantly releasing her. “Continue, Dr. Yara.” She nods and returns to my leg. I watch her take a deep breath before picking out several more bones until she finds the one she wants. “Arric?” “Ready, my mate,” he says, beginning to purr which helps her to steady her hand and her nerves. When she does, I gesture for Charlie to return. “Any other serious injuries that Dr. Stevens is threatening to do something ridiculously over the top with?” I ask. “Yours is the worst, Alpha. There are a couple with deep wounds that he’s washing out with alcohol." Yara sucks in air again and stands up straight looking at us. “Not the right course of treatment?” I ask her, raising my eyebrow. I'm starting to trust her medical knowledge much more than my current doctor. “Why wouldn’t he just stitch them up?” she asks. “He said it would take too long and there are too many injured,” Charlie says, watching her closely. I like my Beta, a lot. But until my mate is wearing my mark, I don’t like all the interest he’s showing in her. Yara, however, turns to me. “Don’t you have omegas in your packhouse who sew your clothing?” “Yes,” I say, frowning at her. “It’s basically the same. Yes, skin feels a bit different, it’s a bit tougher than fabrics, but they could do it and not cause the pain that pouring alcohol into their wounds is causing,” she says. I look at Charlie. “Call the omegas, get them over here. Tell Dr. Stevens that he can go.” “But who is going to assess the warriors?” he asks me. “Have the nurses give a diagnosis and recommended treatment, then bring it in here to ask Dr. Yara’s opinion.” “My opinion?” she asks me, obviously surprised. “Yes, Yara. Your opinion. I’m beginning to think that you are the perfect replacement for Dr. Stevens.” .............................................................................. Yara Replacement? I can’t be a replacement. I’m not staying. As soon as Alpha…as soon as Warren’s leg is done, I’m out of here. I glance up at the broody Alpha and wonder if that’s true. Is he going to let me go? The news about Simon has me worried. If there is a paper trail of his father helping me though medical school…he’ll find me. “Arric?” I say distractedly, holding the bones together while he heals them. I have to get my car, my clothes. I have to get back to school, I’m a resident, I can’t just up and leave. “Tell me where your car is and I’ll have someone go get it. Same with your clothes. As far as your schooling goes, we’ll have to talk about you taking classes online and working your ‘residency’ did you call it, here,” Warren says. I frown at him. “How did you…?” “You were talking to yourself. It wasn’t hard to hear you.” “I can’t leave school, Warren,” I say, looking at him like he’s crazy. “I didn’t say you’d be leaving school. I said you’d be doing your residency here. You can take classes online,” he says as if that settles it. “Excuse me? You can’t keep me here!” He merely raises that damn eyebrow at me again. “You’re not my Alpha…” I begin. He leans forward. “What I am is your mate. Tell me truthfully, if I let you go back to school and I come to visit you in say a week’s time, will you still be there?” I look away, beginning to work on his leg again and refusing to answer him. Even if he wasn’t my mate, knowing that Simon may be able to figure out where I am, would have me transferring immediately. “That’s what I thought and that, my dear mate, is why I’m not letting you leave.” He sits back and both of us get lost in our own thoughts again as I let Arric know when I’m ready for him to heal the bones. “Why did you say I was brave earlier?” “What?” he asks, and I can tell the pain is getting to him. “Earlier, you said you knew I was intelligent, compassionate, brave, and lonely. The intelligent and compassionate I understand, the lonely you explained, but why did you say you think I’m brave?” I ask him. “When you heard my pack, you didn’t run. You could have. You didn’t know they were my pack members. You looked like you were ready to fight, to defend me. For someone who’s not a fighter, that takes guts.” I look up at him, frowning. “How do you know I’m not a fighter?” “You’re not built like one,” he says simply. “Are you saying I’m fat?” I ask, insulted. I work out at the human gym. I know I need to let Annika out more often to run, but I’m not overweight, even by werewolf standards. “You know you’re not,” he says, watching me. “But I saw you naked. Those of us who have been fighting in pack wars almost daily for years don’t have the softness to their body that you have. And before you go jumping to any conclusions, I find your body very attractive, very sexy.” I stop what I’m doing, not sure how to respond to that. “Sexy. That’s not a word that has been used to describe me in the past,” I say, and realize that once again I spoke out loud. I look up at him and see him smiling at me. “Some people, like myself, find intelligence sexy. But, I’ve been itching to touch you, to run my hands over the softness of your body, since the moment I saw you.” “Some people, like myself, find it hard to believe that someone caught in a bear trap was ‘itching’ to touch me,” I say, rolling my eyes at him. “Then that should tell you just how strong the pull of the mate bond is. As much as what you’re doing hurts, just having you touch me helps with the pain. Your scent in this room, which gets stronger the longer you are in here, is helping me manage the pain. As an Alpha, it’s one of the benefits of finding your Luna, your fated mate. You are the other half of my soul, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, you complete me on more than one level. Now, I have a question for you.” “Okay,” I say, still focusing on his leg. “Why didn’t you run?” I stop and look at him like he’s crazy. “You were injured. If they weren’t your pack, they would have killed you.” That damn eyebrow goes up again. “And they would have killed you too.” “I didn’t rescue from a bear trap to leave you to die at the hands of the assholes who set it in the first place!” I say. “Sooo, you’re more stubborn than brave?” “Call it what you will. I wasn’t going to leave you to die,” I say. “Thank you.” I wait for more, and when there isn’t, I look up at him. “For what?” “For getting me out of that bear trap, for not leaving when I could have been killed, and for not letting Dr. Stevens take my leg.” “He really needs to retire,” I say. “Which is why you’re going to replace him,” he says arrogantly. “I am not going to replace him, Warren. I have school. I have…labs and exams and things like that. “We can talk to the school and figure out the labs. As I said, and you must know, you’ll get more opportunity to practice your skills here in my pack than you will in some human school’s laboratory. And exams can be taken online. People do it all the time. Any other arguments that I can negate for you?” he asks me. “So arrogant,” I mutter angrily. “Confident,” he says. “What?” I ask, frowning. “I’m not arrogant, I’m confident. There’s a difference.” “How do you keep hearing what I’m saying?” I ask him. “How long have you been living with humans? I think you’ve forgotten how sensitive a werewolf’s hearing is and I’m an Alpha, mine’s more sensitive than most.” UGH! I’ve been living with humans long enough that I’ve gotten used to muttering to myself without others being able to hear me. Now, I’m going to have to start being careful what I say so I don’t offend anyone. There’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Warren calls out. “Does no one know that this is a surgery room?” I mutter, already forgetting that he can hear me. “Uh, excuse me doctor. I have one of the omegas here that sews our clothing, but she says she doesn’t know how to sew up a warrior,” Warren’s Beta, Charlie, says. I turn and see a wide-eyed young woman staring at Warren’s leg on the table. “Give me a moment, I’ll be right there,” I say, quickly taking a towel and covering his leg. I don’t want to have to smell vomit while I work. Charlie takes her from the room and I turn back to Warren’s leg. “Okay, I have all the small pieces underneath back in place. There are going to be some slivers that I won’t be able to put back in, but hopefully Arric can work around the small pieces of missing bone.” “I’m a strong Alpha wolf, mate. I’ll make it work,” he says, once again sounding like he’s strutting proudly for me. “Right. So, I’m going to put the big bone fragment against the existing bone and let you start healing it while I go check on these other warriors. When I come back, I’ll finish putting the smaller pieces over top and then we can get you sewn up and nearly back to normal, Alpha.” “Warren, Yara. Call me Warren," he says and I can hear the fatigue in his voice. I look up into his brownish-green eyes, his very expressive eyes. And right now, those eyes look exhausted. I move closer to him and put my hands on his chest, pushing him back into a lying down position. “Why don’t you rest while I’m gone?” I say gently. “You’ve had a long day and your body needs to heal.” I watch as his eyes start to drift closed. I know it’s a bad idea, I know I shouldn’t, but my fingers have been itching to touch him since I’ve seen him too. I gently run my fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it is in the places where it isn’t covered in blood. “Sleep, Warren. I’ll be here when you wake up.” I’m not sure what makes me do it, but I lean in and press my lips to his, hearing him sigh as his body falls into a deep sleep. “Sleep well, Warren,” I whisper in his ear, then I cover his leg and step out of the room, letting his Beta know that someone needs to watch the room and protect their Alpha while I go help the nurses and omegas in the hospital.		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2732337	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 2:30 PM	1740993503	1746041419		2747																										www.yumread.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481568437_620927847234951_4522401818723498974_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_APd1RgbFakQ7kNvgED_elw&_nc_oc=AdiKQefEkrBf84NsxciKBrJO9vvO5QmaTy5O9vUqTYQMdPt0naNPr3MxU3o8pw2os5wuDU6fSwrIgIK0-YWl1qGK&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYBXVsIytfwos17HyVpsvr7X4t7tzliW-YE3lI8ul0YCNg&oe=67CB3E0E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732193	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 5:39 AM	1740993500	1749811158		2747																										curcumin.manna.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Is Liposomal Curcumin the Ultimate Anti-Aging Weapon?		https://curcumin.manna.com/blog/c?cid=5&affid=569&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&fbc_id={{adset.id}}&h_ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.127013803598E+14	Manna Health	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481087659_623134420676072_2036071687577571370_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LKHKcbDGIcUQ7kNvgFDjdiP&_nc_oc=AdiWQtS6bK-gcla6zoysTtS9Yum6UEUfIe7XRZcgT7r8eWpTx3CbkhQf2atstJUyPOrKl6D6rGW5-YpPYsDTgd7B&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYArVPMM4px_5IjcpcApoyeTeNB0TCB2RPilSuuJH2wRng&oe=67CB47ED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I used to suffer from joint pain and inflammation for over 15 years. I tried countless turmeric and curcumin pills—even with black pepper—but nothing worked until I discovered Manna’s Liquid Curcumin. It’s been a true game changer for me, and I’m finally able to ditch liver-damaging pills like Aleve and Advil. I simply mix just .7 tsp with a glass of water each morning, and within a week, I started to feel the difference. Plus, it tastes amazing! Here’s what I love about it: 🔥 Fights inflammation naturally 🧯 Eases joint and nerve pain ❤️ Trusted by over 150,000 users 🇺🇸 Made in the USA with professional care ✅ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee 🚚 FREE Shipping See results or your money back—no questions asked. Ready to experience relief? Get started HERE today! What’s your experience with curcumin?		Manna Health		124696	https://www.facebook.com/mannaboost/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731787	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 5:59 AM	1740993491	1749812393		2747																										commonsenseww.com	Shop now			IMAGE	Common Sense		http://www.commonsenseww.com/Legacy			3.3467167330042E+14	Millennial Entrepreneur Movement	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481151792_639787918999773_3561891714114464102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7PXK2wHq858Q7kNvgFBWxa2&_nc_oc=Adjw70ZdtTlFLDgKaU30Hx05NIfpgoXVIGMyUuVkv70V1QhmZtEYYzqRuC4_PQUtZKgFs5QiNBRfOt_adw46UOfA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYDybLSG28dZKKpcVpV3m5JWKNYNwF_vJ_9cc-Y0_JifmA&oe=67CB3EDD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Stiffness is life winding down: Aging is not so much about growing older, it's a process of everything seizing up. Virtually every single disease and dysfunction is a kind of hardening - a rigid artery, a calcified joint, a frozen nerve, a brain locked in its own grip. As well, blood gets thick, tissues tighten, bones dry out, muscles lose elasticity. Blood vessels lose their flexibility. Fibrosis is one of the first manifestations of developing cancer. So when your body gets stiff, it's not a trivial matter; it's the petrification of your tissues. But why does this happen? If your mitochondria are starved for light and structured water, then the body starts to dry up and wilt. What's left behind are calcium deposits. Think of a river that loses its flow; as the waters recede, they leave behind mineral remnants. Likewise, dry/stagnant tissues accumulate calcium as a containment strategy in response to dehydration, to stabilize the tissues. This is a system-wide protection strategy that goes on in your body in the absence of living, structured water. Our mitochondria are structured water generators. This happens because mitochondria are light-sensitive and absorb sunlight (red light in particular) and ooze out structured water, which can be thought of as liquid intelligence. Structured water stores energy and hydrates at a deeper level, preventing hardening of the tissues. But this is why sunlight is so important; Vitamin D is a hormone that mobilizes calcium; it moves it out of your muscles and soft tissues, then directs it to your bones, where it's actually needed. Add magnesium and K2 and you've got a complete calcium translocation mechanism. To de-fossilize yourself. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 - works synergistically with structured water, as its positive charge binds to mitochondria to helps facilitate electron flow, which maximizes function. When hydrated with structured water, magnesium supports efficient nerve signaling, muscle function, and overall vitality. Magnesium also controls B1 vitamin utilization and enables the conversion of vitamin D into the active form; you simply cant make cellular energy without magnesium. 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝟐 - activates proteins that direct calcium to bones and teeth, preventing accumulation in soft tissues like arteries and joints and other unwanted areas. 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 - You could also add alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, a good methylated B vitamin complex. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 j𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐞 - I'd also add green plants and juices to provide chlorophyl, which alkalizes the tissues through their structured water. In a way, chlorophyll is a good biological counterbalance to calcification; they both alkalize the tissues, but chlorophyll does it without hardening the body or gumming up the system. Where calcium offers structure and stability, chlorophyll promotes flexibility and energy flow. I say calcified tissues are just light-starved. God put that big yellow ball in the sky for a good reason. Light was the first nutrient - created before both oxygen and food. Light is the medium through which information originates and flows. Light loosens and unfolds our tissues. We weren't designed to stay indoors all day - our biology requires sunlight to avoid biological chaos. Without it, we harden, our tissues calcify, and life begins to fossilize. Scientists claim that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. I disagree. Because it assumes that energy is reduced to just physical molecules, which is an inherently materialistic, reductionist viewpoint. I say mitochondria are just one part of a larger energy system; they absorb light, structure water and generate electromagnetic flow that maximizes cellular function. Without these, mitochondria alone is meaningless. Mitochondria is just a token of the larger energetic system; they need a battery, just like a cell phone does. And that battery is charged by the interplay of light, water and movement. So what if the solution to calcification-related chronic disease isn't found in a pricey little pill, gene therapy or in an invasive procedure, but rather in something as simple and profound as spending time each day under the sun (preferably with your bare feet on the ground) which will hydrate your tissues and help your electrons flow through your mitochondria better.		Millennial Entrepreneur Movement		11569	https://www.facebook.com/MillennialEntrepreneurMovement/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731668	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:29 AM	1740993489	1749817799		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481661297_453656387831255_2190461595518775881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-iCuU-1aBFcQ7kNvgHGQoK5&_nc_oc=AdjT_sy70CSxvdQ3S9N601uc7f75Z81Vsu1PM0eHtG8O2l4ewobbVTvg60SKNZ9iwLUXTJNwgqROa3KUMSYr2pk4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYCTiCajDILmX16xGiY00_2I_6lW4zpzw73ENZNBD7DhVA&oe=67CB442C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732176	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 4:00 PM	1740993500	1746046844		2747																										amazon.com	Shop now			IMAGE	Unputdownable🔥Rockstar Romance | Read Free In KU	Kindle | KU | Paperback	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QLBLDTR?maas=maas_adg_E76E79C436BD349CB968B40F035E5E7C_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas			1.4799237235598E+14	Jessica Marlowe Steamy Romance Author	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481673529_2901589950041800_5216800511552007531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TcYJuB16jXUQ7kNvgFMvTdg&_nc_oc=AdjbgVKn4qrPmzr--Sx_klzpHrFBRLpxUKaW2fluZUsm57oM4TbycQX-g1jMXWNMG86RXV_IPRCn3aRw8PkJg8nN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYB_Gqc2XBlxLxKZ0XLcmyGa5cl88r3JBVHOlB4tlM44yg&oe=67CB3BE6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💘 Cupid Takes Aim at a Lonely Rock Star 🎤 Emily’s car came to a screeching halt. There was a ton of traffic for two p.m. on a Friday. Her bosses had closed the office early after a celebratory lunch because Bradford and Ross Marketing had just landed the Franny’s Gluten Free Goods account. It was a bright sunny afternoon, but a cold wind whipped around her car, reminding her that spring hadn’t yet sprung. The diamond in her engagement ring sparkled in the sunlight, casting a prism of colors on the interior of her car. Three more weeks until she and Sully would be married, and she couldn’t wait. She’d made the final payment to the vendors last week, and today she’d given the head count to the wedding coordinator at the Park Manor. Next week she’d have her final fitting. Since her wedding to-do list was in order, Emily turned her focus on the changes she needed to make for her latest book. She had two weeks left before it was due to her editor, and she was behind. She’d thought writing a story where the two main characters were planning their wedding was a great idea, since she’d have lots of material to work with. Luckily for her, her wedding plans had gone smoother than her characters Elle and Stephen’s had. They couldn’t catch a break. Emily laughed to herself. Until now. Emily turned on her mini recorder and placed it on the seat next to her. “Change Steven’s dad’s occupation to some job working at The Wellesley Hotel in NYC, where there will be a sudden cancellation for the date of their wedding. Her dress may suddenly be found at the shipper’s facility, or better yet, a dress shop in town offered to replace her dress with one of their off-the-rack dresses, since she doesn’t have time to order another one. “Okay, next chapter will be the wedding rehearsal. Have Nicki, oops, sorry, Natasha, sneak off with Stephen’s brother, maybe call him Tyler or King. Somewhere have Elle say ‘She couldn’t wait for their happily ever after to begin.’ Final chapter. The wedding. Start from groom’s point of view. And maybe do an epilogue after a few months to check in.” Emily clicked the recorder off. The rest would come when she sat down to write. She’d written herself into a corner, and now she had the perfect way out. She’d have to make several adjustments to the manuscript in order for the ending to work properly, but two weeks should be plenty of time. Emily hadn’t been able to write the final chapters where the wedding occurred and their happily ever after began, so getting the afternoon off was fortuitous. The blaring of a car horn pulled her out of her thoughts. She waved in apology and pulled forward. As was the way with traffic, it suddenly opened up as if there hadn’t been any in the first place. She pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex and parked. She snagged her pants on the corner of the door getting out of the car, but luckily the fabric didn’t rip. April Fools’ be damned. She was having a great day. She unlocked the door and hurried up the stairs inside her apartment. Sully wouldn’t be home until after seven, so she had at least four hours to work. She hung her purse from the railing and walked down the hallway. She was about to go into her office when a noise registered. It sounded like people having… Mrs. Locke, her downstairs neighbor, was a widow in her eighties, so Emily doubted it was her. Most of the other apartments in her section were empty during the day. She caught a faint whiff of perfume. Heat flooded Emily’s body, and her scalp began to tingle. She never wore perfume and didn’t own any. “Oh yeah, baby, like that.” Emily swallowed the panic that rose in her throat making it hard to breathe. It couldn’t be. It must be the television. Except they didn’t have a TV in their bedroom. She hadn’t noticed his car in the parking lot, but then she’d been preoccupied with her story. She forced herself to continue down the hallway. Emily felt like she was floating as all the nerve endings in her body fired. She scrunched her eyes closed and took the final step into the doorway. She opened her eyes and wished she hadn’t. “Oh, Sully, yes!” the girl on Emily’s fiancé screamed. Emily opened her mouth but nothing came out. She felt paralyzed, unable to scream, move, or breathe. She knew the exact second the girl realized that Emily stood there because she turned her head as a slow grin broke across her face. Tiffany. One of the many girls from Sully’s office who was infatuated with him. Emily wanted to throw up, but there’d be time for that later. “Get out!” she screamed. Her voice was shrill. The unrelenting squeak of the mattress finally stopped. Sully sat up. Emily couldn’t read his expression, except it wasn’t the least bit guilty. Seconds ticked by as the two of them just stared at her. Shock gave way to anger, and Emily said through tight lips, “Get out of my apartment. Now!” Emily spotted their pile of clothing on the floor. She lunged forward, scooped up their clothes, and went to the window. “Let me help you.” She flung the entire pile out. The smell of his cologne and her perfume fused into a nauseating mixture. She turned back to the bed. Sully and Tiffany, wearing shocked expressions and nothing else, just stared at her. “I can see you need more help.” She opened Sully’s closet and grabbed all of his suits, ties, and dress shirts. When she turned toward the window, Sully finally spoke. “Don’t you dare.” She turned on him, still holding his clothes. “Don’t I dare? Are you kidding me?” She was sure the clothes were heavy, but Emily couldn’t feel anything. It was as if her entire body shut down; even her leg didn’t hurt. She crammed everything out the window. “Get off,” Sully said to Tiffany, who still stared at Emily open-mouthed. She scrambled off and held the sheet around herself. “Emily, calm down.” He stood. “We need to talk.” Had he really just told her to calm down? Was this some messed-up dream? Maybe she’d been in a car accident and was in a coma? There was no other explanation. Hatred tore through her, and her blood boiled. “I’ll say it slowly this time. Get. Out. Now.” Sully took one step toward her. “Now!” Emily screamed so loudly her throat hurt. She might have just screamed bloody murder because Sully took a step back, and Tiffany looked scared. Good. He put his hands up. “Okay, just let me grab—” “How have I not been clear? Now.” “You threw our clothes out the window,” Tiffany whined. “What are we supposed to do?” What were they supposed to do? Emily had never experienced such a rush of violence in her life. She wanted to rip Tiffany’s face off and cram it down her throat so she’d never have to hear her tinny, whiny voice ever again. Her muscles tightened until she shook. “Now,” she said through her teeth. Emily reached for the bat in the closet. “All right, all right,” Sully said. He yanked the top sheet and blanket off the bed. He handed Tiffany the sheet and wrapped the blanket around his waist. “Come on.” He stood in front of Tiffany as they backed out of the room and down the hallway. Emily followed. Every muscle in her body ached with tension. She glared at them as they went down the stairs and out the door. Emily waited until she heard the door close to run down and lock it, sliding the security chain into the housing. A wave of nausea had her rushing up the stairs and into the kitchen, making it to the sink just in time as her lunch reappeared. She sank to the floor, catching her blouse on the cabinet handle. It ripped, but she didn’t care. Tears burned a trail down her cheeks, and her body shook. She couldn’t believe what just happened. But she’d seen it with her own two eyes, and the images were seared into her brain. When her tears finally dried up, she sat on the cold floor, too weakened to move. The muscles in her right leg had locked up, and that pain warred with the pounding in her head. Emily grabbed onto the counter and pulled herself up. She slipped her engagement ring off her finger and toyed with the idea of dropping it down the drain. Instead, she placed it on the counter and walked out of the kitchen. *** April 1st, San Diego, California “All right, guys, that’s a wrap for today,” the director said. Jack stepped back from the microphone and tried to extricate himself from the beautiful blonde model who played his love interest in the video Stone Highway was shooting. She wasn’t making it easy. She’d made her interest clear, but Jack just wasn’t interested. Dexter Watts, the band’s manager waddled over. “Okay, Shasta, time to go.” “Oh, come on, Jackie, let’s have some fun,” the blonde model purred into his ear as she trailed her fingertip up his arm. Jack tensed. He hated being called Jackie. His bandmates, Elliot, Curt, and Buzz, snickered from the side of the stage. He gave them the finger. Dex led Shasta to the other side of the stage and helped her down the steps. Jack grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off his face and neck. “Do you think she knows her parents named her after a brand of soda?” Elliot smirked. Curt snorted. “Doubt it. She’s gorgeous but the attic’s empty.” Elliot yanked Curt’s ponytail. “Says the blond boy with cobwebs in his attic.” “(Beep) you, Black.” Curt pulled the band off and left his hair loose. “Get a haircut, hippie,” Buzz said. Curt flipped Buzz off. Jack’s cell rang. It was an L.A. area code, but he didn’t recognize the number, so he let it go to voicemail. He was now that guy with two cell phones, and he hated it. After he broke up with Christie, he’d had to change his number because she called every time something went wrong, so pretty much every day. He’d gotten tired of having to explain to his family why he’d changed his number yet again, so Jack broke down and got another cell and only gave the new number to his immediate family, bandmates, Dex, Kevin, and his bodyguard, Jeff. He still cringed at the thought of having a bodyguard, but ever since he’d received that first letter at his house, Dex had been pushing him to take it seriously. Jeff had been with him for two months now, but Jack still hadn’t gotten used to having someone follow him around all the time. With their tour starting next Friday, Jack had to consider everyone else. If there was a real threat, he didn’t want anyone in harm’s way because of him. When the voicemail chime alerted him to a message, Jack checked it. “Jack, it’s Amber. I haven’t seen Christie in a few days, and I’m worried about her. She was a no-show for a modeling job, and she’s not answering her door. Call me.” Jack shoved the phone back in his pocket and ran his hand over the back of his neck. “Problem?” Buzz asked. Jack sighed. “That was Christie’s friend from across the hall. She missed a job and isn’t answering her door. Amber’s worried.” Jack ran a hand through his hair. Just (beeping) great. “Why is she calling you?” Elliot asked. “You guys broke up six months ago, and you’re no longer obligated to rescue her.” But Jack did feel obligated. They’d been together for three years, and Jack couldn’t just shut off his feelings. “(Beep).” Elliot shook his head and sighed. “Why (beep)? This isn’t your problem. If you’re worried, call the police and have them do a wellness check.” “If I call the police and she has illegal substances in the apartment, she’ll go to jail.” Buzz shuffled his feet. “So, then maybe she’ll get the help she needs.” Jack winced. Buzz had been sober since last September. “I’m fine. It’s okay to talk about it in front of me,” Buzz said. Jack smiled. “Was I that obvious?” “We’ve been friends since we were four. I can read you like a book.” Elliot snorted. “More like a pamphlet.” Jack laughed. Elliot was always good for comic relief. And he was right. Christie needed to figure things out on her own. It wasn’t like he could fly to L.A. anyway; they had one more day of shooting. He’d call Amber back tomorrow after they were done for the day. Binge now! ❤️Jack & Emily’s story spans the first three books in the steamy Rocked in Love series: 𝑊𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑌𝑜𝑢, 𝑁𝑜 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑌𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠, and 𝐴𝑙𝑙 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑇𝑜𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑠 ❤️ ❤️All the Things - Buzz and Kelly (Rocked in Love Book 4) is a Stand-Alone ❤️ © 2025 Jessica Marlowe		Jessica Marlowe Steamy Romance Author		204	https://www.facebook.com/JessicaMarloweAuthor/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732321	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:12 AM	1740993502	1749813136		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480996079_2029400370817701_2744257757220758810_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pjo8XURdruEQ7kNvgE8gaTs&_nc_oc=AdiZjTkda6lGDTRW0JKKFByGdoyoygXjgDmHi8yUmYnO1Wht_DcHt4C6-D28zPaDi6R0FtdKN0ByTSzjCtf0SFCs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYC_Br4qy53eAiFrVSnSNnVT_3h9M4AYopMluMjUNp40_w&oe=67CB5F40	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late... 👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series🥰		Reelshort-Video stories		618240	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731688	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:14 AM	1740993489	1749813249		2747																										https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=DXoqZpLPYT	Learn more			VIDEO	Burning or electric shock sensations in your leg? You’re not alone!		https://arialief.com/vsl/?afid=DXoqZpLPYT			5.5166147470165E+14	Pagina face	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481820710_4107575326196472_6397684136268896377_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4E2TBIu7ZpEQ7kNvgGVgmlo&_nc_oc=AdhUutoDqzRatU6hpNTIMqs2eHdOJnIxiUebJKYkzlA1mWJO_fQEdTYLA1JkUKXVHsiFazV_VRmjX5R9Uc64R65c&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYALFjYFKZvJtMuOSWZCaPzzBIZ4jDbr7liqApeR5yQ2IQ&oe=67CB3F6B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Don’t ignore what your body is telling you! Tingling, burning, or nerve pain may have an explanation – and there are ways to manage it. Learn more!		Pagina face		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573177952348/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732273	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 1:55 PM	1740993501	1746903353		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Click to get more great content!		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			4.3972496923122E+14	Hot Dramas	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480690225_661394796234876_3509545882326700923_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0f4mJbN10QYQ7kNvgFUZwbf&_nc_oc=AdjUXoHrVjNX3RjaDiu7NPOKssWjCY8lqgbA7ADchOgcZha-0-Ew8x8-PJoIFN_TfUG8TX1Lzu-g4tixo2EJLurU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYCX5wZrNF-rIKT8ieDfPqZH2T9jbmiEqGY6ukENcXfNKw&oe=67CB3350	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Hot Dramas		562	https://www.facebook.com/61568451867405/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731782	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 1:57 PM	1740993491	1746903431		2747																										nervanora.com	Shop now			IMAGE	Take back your life and start living pain-free.	I Went From Choking Down Pills Just to Be Able to Fall Asleep… To Walking, Standing, and Playing With My Grandchildren Again	https://nervanora.com/pages/copy-of-nervanora?_ab=0&key=1740830676934			4.8054216848505E+14	Mag Serenity	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481657037_1367482637765798_1237635432306536708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pDR7hN6xeWoQ7kNvgFFJrbd&_nc_oc=Adjhfs2zf9bj3ULelLZk-fJOTsaW6m8qxMmzTAKrkIC1BNgPhH5CDDoLRkfOhMsapAGX0l31sNfO-BaTFDQrhMs0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYBbNnIKfIX3H5fXGMFH9NnRxcsG1so2tYdpeDNveuWwuQ&oe=67CB549D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with neuropathy, pain, and sleepless nights?Struggling with burning, tingling, nerve pain, and sleepless nights? Whether your discomfort is due to diabetes, age, or underlying health conditions... nerve pain can disrupt your life and sleep. It's essential to find a solution before another night of pain and discomfort takes its toll... Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion harnesses the power of magnesium to offer relief from neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbances almost instantly. This special blend seeps deep into the skin, targeting the root cause of your nerve pain discomfort. Just a dab before bedtime is all it takes, and you can drift into a peaceful, deep sleep, free from nerve pain. Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion also comes with FREE Shipping & a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Experience pain relief and restful nights or get your money back, guaranteed. ✅ Alleviates nerve pain ✅ Natural magnesium blend for effective pain relief (no harsh chemicals) ✅ Endorsed & loved by those suffering from nerve pain across the country for its effectiveness		Mag Serenity		17	https://www.facebook.com/61571848267243/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2732175	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:25 AM	1740993500	1749813943		2747																										instagram.com	Send Message			CAROUSEL			https://www.instagram.com/			8.3676988313993E+14	Alissa Wolfe	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481072245_2443513625986078_1113391096073093647_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yFgotxjGlvAQ7kNvgHts8zM&_nc_oc=AdiPC0BRNcK-MOwbAOaFmMVKCb9caquG_30scVo0H-Hvaly0-0aK5kenEZUSitK3UJojfr2swYMLHqEOEL1NJoE-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYAx5Hvr2ES2JazrJxmhlaBLA6Pv_Wcw6OKuPkc1mXXHvQ&oe=67CB5550	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Alissa Wolfe		1092	https://www.facebook.com/paincrusader/	0		INSTAGRAM_MESSAGE								View Edit Delete
2731558	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:37 AM	1740993486	1749818241		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480550638_1398073654906516_707452203597132302_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sFsjyO5ynHEQ7kNvgH8ajAz&_nc_oc=AdgbOOXljp-4LgOXAIqBxeBK9OlJzrfAhB5plFsY_ayliVQM4irF-a_JkGfk4GPExfGX6ao-Hz5BLcTYtSOEvdV6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYCJYJilAbbZvv22NuSAEv7A-AOx_YM2rOyqHTm9FKvS8A&oe=67CB3A3B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731587	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:37 AM	1740993487	1749814621		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059505.html?language=en&timestamp=1740920053091&channelCode=DLLPF1059505&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481455484_1810407873133887_2970483242095438670_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lKkBgkl99NYQ7kNvgHsBshq&_nc_oc=Adj7BmTg4mYreLp09CFlwhwC56w6fZkdeBSGUFFvoSc0qoKyc-8tVzFNC9qmXdaTZmXAePdJnwip9iBaWdjAyHLu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYD4QrguqjL70Fv1q8Ho1NxZGOP8XAgkXwudy9aH8YPT4Q&oe=67CB2B1E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732305	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:48 AM	1740993502	1749815328		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Vai subito agli episodi completi ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=48350&language=it&timestamp=1738059602860&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481273763_1874678109940550_8945472984271157366_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Y6Ctfw3P1woQ7kNvgFvg0pe&_nc_oc=AdhXEozahj3hLPwPFiv-AwrgM-2sJL4TX2TTPp0tfwq8B5YdPJpS5qhBaKQSBsp-joHYp_7_TtSP3PBtcB1Rd3eM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYBVZQwJsenM7zNtPYoQdENJ98GhZYI9NqirNi4bNyQbSA&oe=67CB29F1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Caldo, così caldo.🔞 🔥Migliaia di brevi drama vengono aggiornati continuamente...... Giovane padrone, la signora ha firmato un accordo di divorzio ed è volata all'estero...... 👇Scarica ShortMax per guardare altre serie🎬		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731563	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 6:50 AM	1740993486	1749815407		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481302415_626923483260517_645664002332257892_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DR3s_kp9GLIQ7kNvgFmEwWC&_nc_oc=AdjZgtgv1tGyrtzJNXVu8ppfw6qItV-E0X0ZATB37rv2PQ-BQN6mD-zWl-ctwhzjWab5mKEqdZujsVWTbnpbg5V6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYCp2irEvTYoqCAJyntA52YMeGkp9cp3czOtiahBl7xkTQ&oe=67CB2BB7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732272	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 4:46 PM	1740993501	1746049592		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👀 Watch more exciting content now !👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45069&language=en&timestamp=1736251161852&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8677001784226E+14	AABBQ	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481296189_1037776438190012_7217246799268828611_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4fslmAdCP2UQ7kNvgEbb6kJ&_nc_oc=AdgKV7ibxbrrCTOd2Xnb5xLZYJGMeO5_Tq-yKfexLTfOi_fbHmnrh7LSMh4CFGn0QZ_cypTDpymdG4ZLVeyohOEU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYDVRcjlv-w37nT4VkcW1JYPUq5aszjIHK9RaY_gEuqNOg&oe=67CB48A2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🥰Hot! So Hot!🥰🔥 🎬This is the exclusive content of "SHORTMAX", exciting video, please follow us!🥰 💥💥Sia returns with her son five years after divorcing Alpha Reagononly to find that--Reagon never divorced her and he hates her!Reagon makes Sia work as a stripper, believing that she betrayeed him five years ago. Reagon may be able to force himself to punish her, he cannot force himself to stop loving her. If only Reagon knew that Sia loves him, and that her son is actually his...💥🎬 🥰If you want to watch more, please download our app to continue watching!🎬🔥		AABBQ		296	https://www.facebook.com/61561770861279/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732084	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 4:48 PM	1740993498	1746049701		2747																										www.optinutra.site	Learn more			VIDEO	watch now		https://www.optinutra.site/			5.8213320498133E+14	Amelia Hudson	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481256574_1180189170362034_1092699059575621744_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q6dlSRQueAIQ7kNvgFNA4jE&_nc_oc=AdhB8I10-LPP2f7L0s8fgDS8j7UelxryAyK8ifto7_DF7f6CQo2ew70wJsSSzPPrt_qelaArZJgf5GJ5VYuegFql&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AWvkfnOMWzSffpwxuivP_HV&oh=00_AYAd3QE2HGhrKj-x-vObrpEDtaJQLIsq6bUEuYnSFZuIUQ&oe=67CB3C70	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Amelia Hudson		27	https://www.facebook.com/61572823777873/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732294	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:09 AM	1740993502	1749816597		2747																										play.google.com	Install now			VIDEO	Watch more episodes on ShortMax🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			6.1632350155691E+14	Short Max	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481076088_634150706231001_5072025319262831087_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3y0ZbKtHt5gQ7kNvgGkONV4&_nc_oc=Adj8gSJ0NkXo_xofZXvMRYMpACkuhIgpF-pZOx6MKeC3kdAQ1aoL16ZL-fA3rZlTMbuiHSYQ-qTlLU5fAx69Kp50&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYDbpbswWJI6OWhYkmVky3-jl2NBGEb5xkBiUWTufAzCQg&oe=67CB2EF2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		😹This series is so incredible! I can't stop watching! Next episode is amazing!		Short Max		44	https://www.facebook.com/61573656003603/	0		INSTALL_MOBILE_APP								View Edit Delete
2731611	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 2:49 PM	1740993488	1746906592		2747																										a.letsreadnovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvNDQzNzkwLzIwMjUwMjI4MTYxOTAxL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.9336549052626E+14	ForFun-120	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481084287_1651932788741703_1920964320381016780_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KG7cLxnNIGcQ7kNvgEt5EUu&_nc_oc=AdhgNcVGH4I4eVWIG-LUVQPIDOOtChVSha8KPctvYK7tqXctgzZODRiBr3N2BywaIKj-iyff6DA9o1AaSkH_Rx_A&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBiAWY3SBnYgPWKMxujmXCpDzhBvYpAwpQXtfh7urNfqQ&oe=67CB2BE5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		His triplets were coming home. After 10 years of searching, 10 years of obsessing over little dead end clues, he finally had them back. "Hello I'm miss Jessie Moore, is this Rafael Romano." "Well Mr Romano I'm from social services in Ohio and I'm calling regarding Alexander, James and Skye" Rafael's permenant glare darkened "dont you dare" he was cut off though "I'm sorry sir but they were brought in a few days ago, a DNA test was done and it matches yours, would you like to take custody" "I swear if you're messing with me" Rafael practically growled. ____________ The siblings were given the all clear from the doctors, they had no life threatening injuries just severely bruised with extensive scars. A week past and once the police visited and took statements from the boys since Skye wasn't willing to talk to them, a social worker came in. "So your DNA was run through the system and we found some family in New York" she said excitedly. Alexander wasn't happy about this. "We are okay on our own" he spoke with no emotion. "You're still a minor kid" the police officer said. "Will they know about this abuse sir" James asked. "Yes" the officer said. "Please can you not tell them, we would like to be the ones to inform them, we don't trust easily and we want to make sure they are nice to us before we tell them our secrets, sir" James said quietly, hoping to get his way by showing emotion. "We don't have a choice I'm afraid, besides what are we suppose to say when they ask where you have been" the officer said sadly. "Please don't tell them, sir" Skye whispered with so much emotion it made the police officer a little emotional "they will want to know where you were" he said "Tell them were were in the foster system and their was a car accident so we ended up in the hospital " Alexander said. The police officer looked at the social worker who didn't know what to say. This was totally against protocol but the children were so afraid and especially Skye that they couldn't help agree. "I only mentioned to their father that they ended up in hospital. I thought it would be best to explain what had happened in person, it could work " the social worker said to the officer. "He will no doubt want hospital records though " the officer said still in doubt. "Not necessarily, by the time he wants them I'm sure they will be comfortable enough to have told them the truth. They have just been discharged so he won't have to sign any papers" "We could get into trouble " "Maybe but he said he would come pick them up as soon as possible " "Fine. We will not disclose this information but it would be wise to tell him when you feel ready too" the officer finally agreed. After that they were taken to the social workers office to wait for the arrival of their father. They had been given fresh clothes and allowed to shower at the hospital so they almost looked like normal kids. They even had their hair cut, it had been nerve wracking but it needed doing. The bruises on their face had almost dissapeared, the social worker had said she would tell him that they got it from the car accident. Earlier Rafael had been in the middle of torturing some fool who thought he could steal from them, when his phone rang. He cursed as he looked at the unknown caller. Usually he wouldn't anwser especially when he was torturing someone but this time he did. He wiped the blood splatter from his face with a towel and headed out of the room to take the call. "Hello who is this" he asked. "Hello I'm miss Jessie Moore, is this Rafael Romano" "Yes. What do you want" Rafael asked harshly, he wasn't happy that a woman he had never heard of was calling him. "Well Mr Romano I'm from social services in Ohio and I'm calling regarding Alexander, James and Skye" Rafael's permenant glare darkened "dont you dare" he was cut off though "I'm sorry sir but they were brought in a few days ago, a DNA test was done and it matches yours, would you like to take custody" "I swear if you're messing with me" Rafael practically growled. "No sir, they are currently in the hospital but should be out in a day or so" "Why are my children in a hospital" Rafael asked. "It would be best to speak in person. Would you like to take them in" "Yes. Send over the details and I will be there as soon as I can" he said then proceeded to give the social worker his personal email. That evening Rafael went home in a somewhat good mood. His triplets were coming home. After 10 years of searching, 10 years of obsessing over little dead end clues, he would finally have them back. Lorenzo was telling off Marco and Nico when Rafael entered the house. "What is going on" Rafael demanded. "These little shits decided it was a good idea to take my car out. It's scratched all the way along the side now...it will be coming out of your allowance" he explained, telling the two boys the last thing. "That was very reckless of you both. You will both loose driving privileges for a week" Rafael said knowing Lorenzo would fully handle it as it had been his car. Rafael couldn't care less about the car at this moment. "Lorenzo with me, you can deal with them later" Rafael said glaring at his sons. Lorenzo nodded also glaring at his brothers as he followed his father up to his office. "What is it father " Lorenzo asked once inside the office. "I had a phone call of a social worker today" he said taking a seat at his desk. He began turning on the computer to access his emails. "Did the boys joyride get them in trouble with the police involving social services " Lorenzo asked. "No, they found the triplets" Lorenzo was speechless when he heard this. He remembered everything about them, he had been 13 when they were born and 17 when they were taken. "Are you sure this is real" Lorenzo asked knowing the amount of people they had punished for telling them thought found the triplets or trying to pass themselves off as one. "A DNA test confirmed it. I'm flying out later on" "Very well. Would you like some company" Lorenzo asked. "Yes, I'll be getting Leo to make them some rooms up" "Okay where are they now" "Ohio I'll have their location exact when I get up the details. Go inform our pilot that we will be going to Ohio and send in your brothers" Lorenzo nodded and left. Not long after there was a knock and once Rafael said enter, the others walked in. "What's up father " Leo asked, being summoned was never a good thing especially since he had been summoned to the office with his idiot brothers. "The triplets have been found and I will be going to collect them soon. Yes it is them, a DNA test has been done and I've just received a copy of the results through an email" Rafael announced. "Why do they have to come back. It's been 10 years, send them to an orphanage" Marco snapped. Rafael was furious. He was about to speak his mind when Leo spoke "how dare you, we ought to send you to an orphanage simply for your lack of respect. I suggest you apologize for your comment. Right now" he said, his tone was calm but it had an undertone which promised nothing good. "I'm waiting Marco. I suggest an apology before you really do cause me to loose my temper " Rafael spoke. "Ugh fine I'm sorry" Marco said not wanting to anger his father. "I wonder what their favourite colours are. God I've got so much to do, I wonder if the mall is still open" Leonardo said voicing his thoughts. "What are you talking about Leo" Nico asked. "Their rooms of course, I need to get them ready" he paused and turned to his dad "I can do that right? Whilst you go get them" "Yes but hold off on customising them to much, they can do that themselves" he said. "got it" "Can I help" Nico said happy that his brothers and sister were coming back. He didn't remember much but he missed them. Rafael and Lorenzo walked into the social workers office. The only knowledge they had was that they had been in the hospital. They couldn't help but enjoy how everyone ran away in fear or stopped talking as they went down the corridors. They finally reached a reception. "I'm here for my kids" Rafael said to the receptionist. She gulped when she saw Rafael and Lorenzo. "Name?" She asked. "Rafael Romano" Rafael said. She typed away for a second and then nodded. "I have notified their Social worker of your arrival. She will be here shortly, can I get you anything whilst you wait" "We are fine" Rafael said. It only took a few minutes for Jessie Moore to come down. She gulped when she saw the men and she worried for the children. This probably wasn't the best option for them but they were family. "Good afternoon Mr Romano we spoke on the phone, I'm Jessie Moore, the children's social worker" she introduced herself. "You said they were in hospital, what happened" "They are okay Mr Romano, it was a car accident but the hospital released them and so if you follow me we can go meet them. I do have to warn you though that they are very nervous " Jessie proceeded to lead them to her office. She walked in first, she had told them before she left to get them that their father was here. "It seems your brother is here too. Anyway kids meet your father and brother" she told the kids and allowed Rafael and Lorenzo to enter. Alexander and James were sat with Skye in the middle of them, they both were extremely protective now they were meeting now people. Lorenzo analysed his siblings, an emotional expression on his face. Alexander saw what he was doing and did the same back. It took Lorenzo a little by suprised. Where did his carefree bubbley siblings go? "Hello children, I'm Rafael your father " Rafael introduced. It was still blunt but he managed to not sound so angry. "And you are?" Alexander asked looking at Lorenzo. "Lorenzo, your eldest brother" Lorenzo said with no emotion. "You have all grown up so much, can you introduce yourselves" Rafael asked, still being rather blunt but Lorenzo was a little suprised as this was considered 'kind' for his father. James looked at Alexander who glared at the two men. "What kind of father doesn't know his own children's names" Alexander finally said. Lorenzo wasn't happy with the disrespect but said nothing because the social worker was still in the room. "I do know your names, judging by your attitude, you are the eldest, Alexander, which makes you James. And you Skye" he said turning to each sibling as he said their names. Lorenzo was silently happy Alexander had been put in his place. "Why don't we get started on the paperwork. Of course I am aware you live in New York so this case will be transferred over and a house meeting will be scheduled in the next month or so. It's nothing to worry about, we just need to check on the kids for their own welfare" Jessie explain. "Very well" Rafael said. Jessie smiled and grabbed the paper work from her desk drawer. Rafael was busy looking through it and signing it, with Jessie explaining stuff that he wasn't paying attention to his children. Lorenzo and Alexander were still glaring at each other. Lorenzo finally had enough and sat down besides Alexander. He whispered lowly "I suggest you cut out the nonsense. We don't accept this behaviour, it's rude and disrespectful" he warned. Alexander gulped. He automatically went into protective mode and turned his body to face Lorenzo meaning his body was also sheilding his siblings. "I suggest you bare that in mind. The only reason I am going to look past this is because the social worker is here, next time I won't be so nice" he continued before getting up like nothing had happened. "Right we are all set. Thank you for contacting me" Rafael said as he and Jessie said goodbye. He then turned to his kids "lets go" Rafael was a little taken back again when he watched, Alexander made sure he had hold of his siblings hands as they followed him out. He presumed it was out of instinct to protect James and Skye from them, they were practically strangers to the siblings. The car ride was silent. James was lost in thought whilst, Skye laid her head on Alexander's shoulder as he stroked her hair. "You can sleep if you're tired Skye" Rafael said looking in the mirror as he checked on his kids, he noticed Skye looking extremely tired. Skye didn't know how to anwser so she looked up at Alexander in hopes he would do it. "She will sleep when she's ready" Rafael nodded "very well, I suppose it is best for her to stay awake another half hour whilst we get to the plane" he said. Lorenzo looked up from his phone and looked back at the siblings. Skye in particular looked terrible, she looked as though she would pass out any second. His focus then solely went to James who was looking out the window lost in thought. And then to Alexander, the boy was clearly very protective and got a bit too defensive at times. It was annoying really. Alexander and James were quick to note their family was rich when they finally boarded the plane but Skye seemed to out of it to acknowledge how rich they were. Despite being in the hospital she had only slept a little due to passing out from exhaustion. That was 5 days ago. She would pretend to sleep at night so they didn't sedate her. "She needs sleep" Lorenzo stated as he watched how Alexander and James helped her to her seat. Without them she would probably have collapsed. On the way to her seat, Skye tripped and due to how malnorished Alexander was he wasn't able to stay standing when she fell into him. Knocking them both over. Lorenzo smirked when he saw. James automatically tried to help but Lorenzo simply rolled his eyes and walked back over. Rafael had purposely not gone over, instead he had nudged Lorenzo to go because he saw Lorenzo wasn't pleased with them. He wanted to get Lorenzo talking to them. "Clearly you are all too incompetent to even find a seat. You two go sit" he said the last part to the two boys. They refused without Skye but he sent them a deadly glare "now" he ordered. Skye nodded at them to go, not wanting them to get hurt because of her. They reluctantly took the closest seat, both ready to get up again if he did something to her. Lorenzo felt them staring at him but ignored it and helped Skye up "as soon as we get in the air you're going to go have a nap" he told her as she stumbled. She shook her head fast. She couldn't sleep, especially on a plane with two strangers. There was no where to run. Nowhere to hide. "It's non negotiable, you can't even walk you're that tired" She tried to walk to prove him wrong but she was too tired and everything went dizzy. She almost fell again. Lorenzo sighed and picked her up. Alexander was quick to react, but before he could say or do anything, Lorenzo had placed her back down, this time in the seat next to Alexander. "When did you last sleep" Rafael asked. Skye looked to Alexander. "Skye isn't a fan of hospitals so it's effected her sleeping whilst we have been there " Alexander calmly said so they couldn't see it was a lie. "Well that's understandable but Skye you need to try get a bit of sleep" Rafael said looking at his only daughter with concern. Something Lorenzo had only seen a few times. Alexander and James were worried about Skye, her sleeping habits were bad. "She's going to try" Alexander said looking at her in concern. "Very well" Once in the air and the seatbelt sign went off, Lorenzo got up and walked back to them. "What are you doing" Alexander asked instantly. Lorenzo rolled his eyes "we all just agreed she needs sleep. Come on Skye" he said. "No" Alexander said as Skye nervously undid her seatbelt. "Excuse me?" Lorenzo said not liking Alexander's behaviour. "I said no. You're not taking her from me" he said with panic. He couldn't let her get hurt. Lorenzo rolled his eyes and picked up Skye. She normally would have freaked out but at this point she couldn't concentrate and wasn't fully aware. She was exhausted and sitting down on the chair was probably the most comfiest thing she had sat on before and so it drained her further. Alexander and James jumped up and followed Lorenzo."give her back " Alexander said. "Let her go. Let her go Please just let her go" he was frantic by now. Rafael was quick to jump in "boys it's okay, you can go with him, he's only putting her in the bed. We have a bed for long night journeys. He's only going to put her there so she can sleep easier" he spoke, concerned at how they freaked out. Again he played it off as a stranger taking away their baby sister. James nodded but Alexander was quick to follow Lorenzo. He watched him carefully as he placed her down on the bed. By this point she had passed out as he had been carrying her. "You are protective I get it but don't you dare yell at me like that again " Lorenzo warned and left. Alexander let his walls falls, a tear ran down his face. Everything was a mess. "It's going to be okay isn't it" James whispered after entering the room. "I don't know. How could we let her reach the point of exhaustion" he said angry with himself that he hadn't taken care of her proper. "She's sleeping now though Alex" James replied. "Yes but I doubt we will be on the plane for long. We need her to sleep more" He replied. "Are we in trouble for how we just acted" James asked, he was scared to go back out. Alex thought for a minute."I don't know, why don't you take a nap too" he said fully planning on taking whatever punishment they give before they could get angry with James. "But what about you" James asked. "I'm fine" Alex replied. James usually would say no but he was tired and didn't want his sister waking up alone so he agreed. Alex waited until James was asleep which didn't take long, before quietly leaving. He rather stay and watch his siblings but he needed to get the punishment over with before they woke. Whilst all this was going on, Rafael and Lorenzo had been discussing what had just happened. Rafael had scolded Lorenzo for walking off without talking to Alexander. "I will not have him speak to me like that" Lorenzo said. "Well next time calmly explain where you're taking her. He's obviously very protective of his siblings, it's admirable really. You need to remember, they have no idea who we are, we are just strangers to them" "Fine" Alexander entered and took a seat. "Where's James" Rafael asked. "Taking a nap too" "That's good, maybe you should have a little nap as well" Rafael replied. Alexander looked at his father, suprised he hadn't lashed out yet but then it hit him. Rafael obviously wanted him to fall asleep so he could punish his brother and sister for how he acted. Not a chance would he let that happen. "Okay how about you ask us some questions. It's obvious you don't trust us which makes sense since you don't remember us so ask away" "Why do we not live with you" Alexander asked. It had been on his mind since he had been told they had a family Lorenzo and Rafael shared a look. Rafael didn't seem to be replying so Lorenzo anwsered "you were kidnapped when you were 4, from a birthday party one of your friends was having " Alex nodded. It made sense. Those people who had them were criminals, they had connections. But why kidnap three 4 year olds. It didn't make sense. "You say you're the eldest, how many of you is there" Alex asked. "Three more brothers, Leo, Marco and Nico" Lorenzo replied. Alexander managed to keep his emotionless expression up, inside he was freaking out though. Living with 5 other men. Would they make him do dope runs? Would they threaten James and Skye? They looked even more stronger than the men who hurt them, how bad would their hits hurt. What will they have him do? How bad will the punishments be? He was already making a plan to keep his siblings safe in his head. He wouldn't let them get hurt like that. He had been failing as a brother recently. He should have just said thank you for the bread and that man wouldn't have touched Skye like that. He would need to be extra careful, Lorenzo kept warning him about disrespect, just like they had done. He would need to try harder not to be disrespectful. And then a new worry, Skye would freak out. James would probably hide it but he'd be a mess too. He knew he couldn't leave them alone with 5 others in the house. "Do James and Skye speak" Rafael said finally snapping out from reliving the awful nightmare, the day his triplets were taken from him. "They do but they are shy" Alex half lied. Sure they were shy but they had been beaten to the point where they feared to speak. "So I presume this means you will be speaking for them" Rafael asked. "Most likely. I want to apologize for the disrespect I've shown you both so far. I'm just very protective of them and you guys dont seem like the warm and friendly type" Alex said getting in a small insult. "It's understandable and I will give you time to get used to us but then any disrespect will not be taken lightly but we will give you a few days to settle in" "A few days?" Alex asked suspicious of why they were given time."yes a few days. did you expect me to summon you to my office after we have eaten dinner to give you all the rules, perhaps about how you can only talk to us and no socialising with kids your age" Rafael said with sarcasm so heavy even Alex could tell he was being sarcastic. Alex didn't even expect dinner though so that confused hin. Alex realized he probably meant after he (Rafael) had finished eating. Of course he wasn't going to feed James, Skye or his self. He made a mental note that when given food to say thank you and be greatful. He wasn't going to make that mistake again. "Well you could give me the rules now, saves screwing up" Alex needed to know the rules or he would overthink every little thing however he knew they would add more rules just to have them break it so they can punish them. " Respect. We all, especially Lorenzo and I, expect you to respect us. That means no back talk, no insults, no cheek. In return we will treat you with just as much respect. Secondly we appreciate you are teenagers wanting to try new things but you are 14, no alcohol, dopes or smoking" Flashbacks of what they made him do were brought back at the mention of dopes. Maybe they wouldn't use him to deliver dopes if they were telling him no dopes. Or maybe they just don't want him getting high when he's suppose to be selling it. "Apparently you were home schooled, however the new school year starts in two weeks so we will be getting you enrolled there. I expect you to put in effort, if you do poorly its not the end of the world, we will get you a tutor, any slacking off though is no accepted, you will respect your teachers and peers." Alexander slowly nodded. They had never been to school. When they were younger they were taught basic things, they were able to catch on quick. But Alexander worried about his siblings, he not only had to protect them from their family but now a whole school. "That brings me on to my next rule, you befriend whoever you want just no relationships just yet, you are too young at the moment" Alexander nodded shuddering at the thought. He knew what guys were like, he would need to keep a careful watch on Skye. "And finally if we ask you to do something, you will do it" Rafael finished. He hadn't meant this in such a bad way but Alexander took it as a bad way. "What happens if we break the rules" Rafael knew Alex would probably have a hard time being respectful. "we will talk about it and why you broke the rule before we give out punishments. I have a feeling you will struggle to be respectful out of protectiveness for James and Skye which I will accept but if you don't have a valid reason that's when it becomes a problem" Alex nodded. He would try his best and would make sure his siblings knew. "I'm a busy man so most likely Lorenzo will deal with the punishments" Rafael said. Lorenzo looked up from his laptop. He had took to doing some work whilst they talked. He smirked when he heard the sentance "if you would like an example, Marco and Nico stole my car and got it scratched, they have now had their cars taken from them and they will be working at the garage in town for a month" Lorenzo said. Alexander didn't think that seemed too harsh. Maybe they wouldn't beat them up as punishment. What if the garage wasn't a car garage but a torture place they called a garage. Yes he was an overthinker. "Anyway we will give you a few day, go wake your siblings up we are landing" Rafael said ending the conversation.		ForFun-120		201	https://www.facebook.com/61554751622817/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731392	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:25 AM	1740993483	1749821127		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480610258_9626435864041686_8455074458712596251_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yuRLn8J44CYQ7kNvgHW_2MS&_nc_oc=Adg1lo4buTZ7UF_qAcMcN9pF5BhV9Byq1iQUi0Rf35v-4njrOGE9kxE9NT8c8YbhKEAXa--ad0b_sfe9XonjaKHi&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAQnKILTPGCtZCOZry4246DcjUUhmC8PF4OjOC_j8hBbA&oe=67CB2AA5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731415	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 6:33 PM	1740993483	1746056004		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=461757146675392&exdata=862D17A8066703E13C0E834547E4A77C47FC4B79F413625B			4.5034772815593E+14	Graceful Gales	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481250279_1170934458094883_7144918993303921017_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=a4mQdA5m1uIQ7kNvgHQ3j8e&_nc_oc=Adj8KD_csoKUO-vyZfw9A4gWGu9fKUeroRAEklSMZ27hBjXpvagVVQSKP0PJXMjO2CJ3LKfbyg9BYaBNOXOmB0IN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCpu80icr4iMTqhZ3gX80Oye30aPKkmDtvhqkWtc6v_nA&oe=67CB5422	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Graceful Gales		136	https://www.facebook.com/61566363901062/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731985	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:37 AM	1740993496	1749821831		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/65237322-fb_contact-enj94_2-1207-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&jump=0&exdata=F174D85A3D691970103E72C7A19FD1291800A906157E443B			3.1310490521196E+14	Love ME	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481121122_9627343847373469_9149574479429408255_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3E7uXhTPHxEQ7kNvgH_DzG9&_nc_oc=AdhytoYkz0TbKBBHeMWk-w_EZCOaRntnqXyIJinGdNN5HQ4p3JfnWiKe2MI7hckgTjff7GRZNW0ocGRTmeqzj3BC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aa0PdqGSe_ylVvVzQypxteX&oh=00_AYATDnPFo3xYEDKr8vBDlC6SjlqFqVLUyd3kdV3oBorI6Q&oe=67CB2CD3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The family was happy that the real daughter had returned. As she prepared to leave, the real daughter accused her of copying her designs. Everyone expected her to be humiliated, but unexpectedly, she stunned everyone by revealing her ownership of billion-dollar design patents, striking back and turning the tables. ===== "Take this for your journey. You're set on returning to your original family, and I won't hold you back. It is just that the place you're headed is impoverished and I doubt anyone will even be there to greet you..." Liam Gill, whom Harlee Sanderson had addressed as dad for years, pressed a few hundred-dollar bills into her hand. Downstairs at the Gill family villa, a spirited celebration filled the hall, while upstairs, Harlee quietly folded her clothes into her suitcase. Liam sighed. Just three days earlier, Adelina Gill had shown up holding a DNA report, proving she was his biological daughter. The revelation had sent the entire Gill family into turmoil. Follow-up tests had confirmed that Harlee, the girl who'd been part of their family for years, was not related to them by bl**d. Now that Adelina had returned, the Gills poured all their affection on her, making up for lost time. They treated her like a treasure, eager to erase the suffering she'd endured over the years. Meanwhile, Harlee's last name had been changed that very night. Liam quickly dispatched people to the countryside to locate her real parents. So far, there had been no replies. Today was all about Adelina. The festivities focused on welcoming her as the genuine daughter of the Gill family. "You have such soft skin, and these clothes have been selected with care..." Liam said softly, feeling mixed emotions as he helped Harlee sort through her wardrobe. "You should take these outfits. They're high quality. But when you go back to the countryside, I suppose..." According to the hospital, Harlee's biological parents had visited Adenarora when she was born. They left the next day and returned to their small village. To make matters worse, her parents lived in Osemery's notorious slums, a place infamous for its poverty and crime, where people were often unfriendly and violence was common. Liam surmised Harlee's future there didn't look bright. She wouldn't just lose the luxury she was used to. It seemed, soon enough, she'd be given in marriage to some country bumpkin without any say in the matter. Harlee looked at the cash Liam had pressed into her hand with a blank face. She set the money down on the bedside table. "I'm heading out now." After saying this, Harlee grabbed her suitcase and walked past the people loitering in the hallway. She moved on without glancing back. Averie Gill, Liam's wife, frowned with disdain. "What's with that attitude? Is she upset because it's not enough money for her? For God's sake, we've spent so much on her over the years, especially those beautiful, pricey clothes! How dare she act this way now? Humph! Once she walks out that door, the future ahead of her is nothing but dismal." "Mom, please don't take Harlee's attitude personally. It's only normal for her to be upset about losing her comfortable life abruptly. She's just throwing a little fit. There's no need to be mad at her," Adelina said softly, her tone filled with feigned concern. Adelina knew a bit about Harlee's background after the investigation. Harlee's biological parents were the poorest in the village with their family grave being defaced yet lacking money to fix it. Worse, Harlee's biological parents had five hungry sons, with a sick mother and a disabled father to care for. Harlee wasn't just returning to a rundown area. It was more like a nightmare. Adelina smiled gently, masking her glee. "I'll go say goodbye to Harlee." Once Harlee was out of sight, Liam let out a sigh and turned to Averie. "We raised her. She's leaving everything she's ever known. Don't be too harsh on her." "Harsh? Come on!" Averie shot back. "Her worthless parents might have switched babies on purpose to make our precious daughter suffer. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. How could I possibly feel sorry for Harlee?" Harlee took the side exit, trying to steer clear of the banquet hall altogether. Adelina caught up with her, wearing a sugary smile. "Harlee, I really need to apologize about my thing with Collin. I know you were supposed to marry him, but he just fell head over heels for me." It felt less like an apology and more like a brag. Collin George came from a powerful family that matched the Gills. He had been engaged to Harlee, but now, with everything that had happened, the future bride had changed. "Collin has always been so sweet and caring. Honestly, I hate to flaunt our love in front of you, but he can't help it. Harlee, I hope this hasn't upset you too much," Adelina said, feigning concern. Harlee raised her eyebrows, wearing an indifferent smile. "Watching two f*ols date is hilarious. Why would I be upset?" Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One "Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity! Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money." Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious. Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears. Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?" "No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm. Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family. Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger. Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself." Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town. Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out. The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief. Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company. Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?" Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up. "How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!" At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?" Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs." "Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger. "Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate. Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?" The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina. "Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way." "What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?" "Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!" Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will." The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's. Harlee's eyes swept over the guests surrounding her. Most of them appeared to watch the situation unfold with interest, more eager to voice their opinions than uncover the truth. Eventually, Harlee's gaze landed on Adelina, who donned a smug face. Harlee had actually gone through this particular sketchbook. On Adelina's very first day back home, she had taken it out during dinner, sketching dramatically in front of everyone, eager to show off her talent for fashion design. Not satisfied yet, Adelina aimed to boost her own reputation as a design genius by misleading the guests into believing Harlee had stolen her sketchbook. Harlee scoffed. Did Adelina really not see who she was imitating, or was she just that foolish? Adelina's sketchbook held over two hundred designs, but the funniest thing was that the fifty best ones were outright copies of the latest collections from top brands. Adelina had taken beautiful, high-end designs and twisted them into complicated, tasteless mixtures, robbing them of their original grace and simplicity. Instead of couture, it resembled homework wrapped up in haste from some design major students. Worse, Harlee even spotted some of her own designs that she had previously shared online. Clearly, Adelina had been living in a fantasy for so long that she might have started to believe herself to be a design genius. Harlee's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, and her intense gaze locked onto Adelina, seeing through her antics. At Harlee's charming smile, an unshakeable feeling of unease washed over Adelina. ...... How will Harlee fight back? Can Harlee successfully find her biological parents? What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &4&		Love ME		8867	https://www.facebook.com/61558688973056/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732198	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:39 AM	1740993500	1749821975		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481321357_682844520745603_2085415825446614564_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iHkD104GORsQ7kNvgFYr1xw&_nc_oc=Adi_LYh9HAUcNtWRNoTznVjsna9L5SJK_1AMdOZEMWmwVci9UboNQ4DJPyNKsfhZGCvmlOpIqyA7MKrtCLqXhxnU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYCRTy7HRBPDPDHzg26-1iQsQmMjgoWhBdrWOtGPwFxwzg&oe=67CB342F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731370	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:25 AM	1740993482	1749831953		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482088549_1368110987945833_6301552234525143678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=3j1XOBrGUIEQ7kNvgFN7VX1&_nc_oc=AdjK_mASxeCrtcllcMziaIIC8H0V9imSqAMp_LTrBltt7U8SsOmLyElnJ8HxxkIEWKctvlfBgxLrJZc-wlvtFbbd&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAQ9yM1EGW7sAmx3Jph8OJFm9zXMLMgOdDQnXI3s5oCyg&oe=67CB586E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732336	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 6:33 PM	1740993503	1746056039		2747																										www.yumread.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://www.yumread.com/share/middle/kmlvsmx2eweyzmr221wdsjja?ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120217883272850751&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			1.0033616294031E+14	Oasisread	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481086087_1427263478253796_7229067961647259235_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=h6MVumau6ngQ7kNvgEMOwDP&_nc_oc=AdgwMY6XFo7qEQYFDkIBrjd1D5INHt5jgH9maqMgjrC-X0JoNTpQq3SGl63G_OI7ASf-GTFmFR1RjJh6-zu_l56v&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYBQR_wH8yYbOeX18UMNfL-C1KQEKWcmffIKdhFb24FjKA&oe=67CB5C01	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? .............................................................................. "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. .............................................................................. Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. .............................................................................. For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Oasisread		1190	https://www.facebook.com/100088564877561/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732329	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/26/25, 10:43 AM	1740993503	1750952607		2747																										play.google.com	Download			IMAGE	Continue reading 👉"The Struggles of the Prostitute "		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader			5.1124446255442E+14	Enjoy reading-D r e am e	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482254383_993554642916242_4802961384700575786_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BRef9AJpwG0Q7kNvgEffuKQ&_nc_oc=Adig8KMt-ceAwCzGKq-j034dH2YcWO8et6z-qaF6XN-FCvJ5mpmFffHhssWcsHhK9nDwqWVJMLug0Sx2jaRDvE9k&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYAUhggbAtmGy4EUXWnqlE29hsqQ-4Usv9RZqgWUBX-JAw&oe=67CB5B0F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Selling?" The guy sitting next to me suddenly broke the silence. "What?" I turned to face him. "You turning tricks?" "Hmm... You buying? If not, don't ask." He went quiet and took another drag. I finished my cigarette with deliberate slowness. I stubbed out the butt and started sliding off the barstool. His hand closed around my wrist before I could leave. "Wanna take this to my place?" My name is Gemma, and sometimes they call me Gem. I'm 20 years old. I'm studying at a renowned university. I have a sharp face, big eyes, and a tan complexion that is neither very fair nor very dark. And I want to say without shame that I sell my body in order to survive. My family has a large export business. Our family's financial status is wealthy, reaching billionaire levels. I have enjoyed a comfortable life since childhood. Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was young. Just one year ago, my father introduced a woman named Emma to our home and informed me that she was his new wife. Emma has a stepchild named Jin, who is only one year older than me. Initially, I didn't feel anger towards my father for bringing someone else to replace my mother. I understood that he was likely feeling lonely and desired companionship. Moreover, both my stepmother and Jin have been kind to me. Everything seemed to be going well. Until my father got into a car accident and passed away. After the funeral, my stepmother revealed her true self. All the things she did while my father was alive were just a facade. She isn't as good as I thought. A few days after my father's funeral, my stepmother forced me to leave our house. All of my father's shares went to her. She made me stay in a small house that was quite far from the main house. She didn't allow me to spend a single penny and said that if I wanted money for personal expenses, I had to work in exchange. She and her child made me do various chores, including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, dusting, and cleaning the bathroom. I had to do everything for just five bucks. Jin likes to tear up or burn my homework. I have nothing to submit to my teachers. It has even reached a point where I almost lost the opportunity to take exams. They refused to pay a single dollar for my tuition fees. My stepmother told me to quit and study at a public school. In order for her to pay for my tuition, I had to endure, hold back, and suppress my feelings. Initially, I cried a lot, missing my mom and dad. I even contemplated suicide... but I didn't go through with it. I wonder why my mom and dad didn't take me with them. I wish I could live with them. I wish Dad had known the true character of his new wife before he was gone. I made my decision based on the advice of my close friend, Amber. She told me to use my body for me to have money. Of course, I did not want to do it but the circumstances around me forced me to. If I don't do it, I won't have any money. Moreover, I had to drop out of school because I couldn't afford the tuition fees. The little kid named Gemma, who had a cheerful personality, spoke well, and loved to smile, and whose life used to be filled with happiness. Now...that Gemma has already died because of everything that happened. What is happiness? I can't remember the last time I smiled. Recently, I did it with a senior student named Marco in an abandoned restroom behind the university. He was a 4th year student and was a hot guy at school. More importantly, he was Jin's boyfriend, my stepmother's daughter. Marco and I had been secretly doing it many times without Jin knowing. If she only knew, I believe she would be devastated. Huh! After we finished, Marco and I parted ways. "Gem, where have you been? I've been looking for you all over campus," greeted Amber, my only close friend. I didn't answer, I just raised my eyebrows at her once, and she knew what I had done. "And who is the guy?" she asked me. "It's Marco," I answered. “Wow! Again? Looks like Marco is attracted to you huh." "Probably. He gives me three hundred bucks this time." "Jin might lose her mind if she finds out that you've been secretly meeting her boyfriend," Amber uttered. "Well, that's what I want," I said in a calm voice with a cold expression. "Hmm. I like it. But anyway, let's go study." Amber and I have known each other since elementary school. We are very close. Amber is just like me. She sells her body to survive. That's why it's just the two of us together. I don't have any other friends. Amber had to resort to selling herself because her family's company went bankrupt. People know what kind of women Amber and I are. We can't be expelled from the University because Amber knows the owner. That's why we are still able to study there until now. After class was finished, it was time to go home. "Want to go out tonight, Gem?" Amber asked. "Oh, let's go," I answered. "At the pub tonight at 10:00 p.m. I'll pick you up at the condo." Since I started selling myself, I haven't set foot in that house again--the house I've lived in since I was born. "Gem, Gem, look at that!!" Amber pointed out to me a couple. They are a couple that only attracts jealous people. The two of them were sitting, bickering at their usual corner table. Those two people are Marco and Jin. Huh... many people are jealous of the two of them. But I'm not jealous at all. It's even pitiful. "A rotting ghost with a rotting coffin," I said with no emotion. "Yes, you're right." Someday, I will make my stepmother and stepsister know what it's like to have everything taken away. At exactly 10:00 in the evening, Amber came to pick me up at the condo. We are going to a pub tonight. "Hey, you look great tonight, huh?" Amber tilted her head while looking at me. "I'll meet someone later," I uttered. "Hmm... with whom?" she asked. "It's Caleb." "Is that Marco's friend?" "Uh... yes." "So he won't have any problems?" "What problems will there be? Will they have problems because of someone like me?" I uttered. "Not like that," she said. "I'll take care of both of us later," I told her. "Alright. I'll leave it to you then," Amber replied. *** At the pub. The guys had arrived and already ordered, waiting at the table. Amber and I walked together to find Caleb at the table. Garry, Jackson, and Marco were sitting there. The latter looked at me with a slightly shocked expression upon seeing me. "Is this the girl you told Garry about?" Marco turned to ask Caleb. "Oh, Gem, come sit here," Caleb called me to sit next to him. As for Amber, she sat next to Justine. Then the waitress walked over and prepared some drinks for us. After sitting and drinking for a while, Caleb reached out and poked my arm. "Let's go to the bathroom." Caleb leaned forward and whispered to me. "Are you in a hurry?" I asked him. Caleb raised his eyebrows at me and then stood up, walking towards the bathroom. "I'll be back soon, Amber." I turned to talk to Amber, then got up and followed Caleb. When we arrived at the bathroom, Caleb dragged me into the last cubicle. "Uh. Chill. Take it easy. Okay?" I pushed Caleb on his shoulder. Then after that, Caleb walked out of the bathroom. As for me, I straightened my clothes and then walked out of the bathroom. "Hey... is the guy really good?" As I was walking out of the bathroom, a man's voice greeted me. I turned my head to see who it was. "Marco," I uttered. Marco was standing in front of me, smoking a cigarette while looking at my face. "Hmm. He's fine. It's still thrilling in some way," I responded to him. "Huh!" he smirks. Marco took a puff of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke forcefully. As I was about to walk past him, he grabbed my arm to stop me. "Yes?" I raised my eyebrows and asked Marco. Marco took another puff from his cigarette and blew the smoke in my face, looking at me intently. He then pulled me into the same place I had just come out of. Marco walked back to the table first. As for me, I sat in front of the bathroom, smoking a cigarette. Suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere and sat next to me. He was handsome, with fair skin and a smooth face that resembled a woman's. However, no matter how attractive he was, it didn't affect me in any way. Just as Amber had once told me, I felt numb. I couldn't feel love for anyone. "Are you for sale?" The man sitting next to me suddenly said. "What?" I turned to look at him. "Are you offering yourself?" he asked. "Um...why? Do you want me? Because if you don't want my service, just don't ask," I uttered. He remained silent and continued to smoke his cigarette. Meanwhile, I continued smoking until I was finished. I flicked the cigarette away and stood up, preparing to walk back to the table. However, the man grabbed my arm before I could leave. "Do you want to come to my condo?" he asked. I looked surprised at the face of the man who invited me to his condo. "How old are you?" I asked. "Sixteen." He smiled faintly at me. "I'll see you when the pub closes," I uttered. "Can I have your number?" he asked. "Give me your phone," I uttered. He handed the phone to me. I pressed my number for him to go. When finished, I handed the phone back. "My name is Brandon," he said. "Hmm," I replied shortly. "And your name is...?" I didn't answer. I just turned my back on him and walked into the pub. "Hey...you still haven't told me what your name is," he shouted behind me but I didn't care. I walked back to the table and noticed Marco sitting there, flirting with a woman. This man is quite naughty, I must say. But interestingly enough, Marco and Jin seem to have a certain compatibility. Because Jin is secretly involved with Garry, who happens to be Marco's friend. And it's highly unlikely that Marco is aware of this situation. As for me, I only know about it because Caleb shared the whole story with me. "What took you so long?" Caleb pulled me by the waist and hugged me. "I just happened to run into someone I know, so we chatted for a bit," I answered. "Will you spend the night with me tonight?" Caleb whispered to me. "I'm not available tonight... maybe next time." "Alright then... but next time, I hope you won't refuse to spend the night with me," he uttered. I nodded. "Yeah, I promise." "Marco, you're neglecting your friends," I heard Jackson suddenly say to Marco. It seems like Marco is only focused on flirting with women and doesn't seem to care about anyone else. "Yeah, guys! I'll go to the bathroom first!" After saying that, Marco and the woman stood up and walked towards the bathroom. I suppose it's not hard to guess why they went there. They probably will do something hot. Then we continued drinking. After a while, Jackson and Caleb excused themselves to go outside to smoke cigarettes. "Gem, I've been looking for you since earlier." "Why? What's going on?!" I asked my friend. "Look at the man at that table. I see him looking at you all the time." Amber extended her hand and nudged me to look at the person she was referring to. I glanced over at the table where Amber pointed, and as I turned to look at the man sitting there, he raised his glass of wine and gave me a sweet smile. It was the same guy who had invited me to his condo while I was in the bathroom. His name is Brandon. "Hey Gem, I really want him. But he seems very interested in you. He doesn't even glance at me." She made a slightly angry face. "So can you go up to him and ask for his name? Or could you get his number for me?" she added. "Hmm. His name is Brandon. And he got my number earlier," I replied to Amber. "Oh! That's why he's been looking at you. He likes you," Amber whispered to me. I just shrugged. "So how is it? Is he cool?" "We didn't really talk much. We agreed to meet when the pub is closed. And he invited me to go to his condo," I replied to Amber. "Hmm. Why are there so few handsome and cool guys?" she uttered. "You talk like your dad isn't handsome at all." The father I'm talking about is the owner of the university where Amber is secretly having an affair. Even though he's in his forties, he's still handsome. He has a very muscular and fit physique, with a tight six-pack. "Shh! Don't say that loud or Daddy will show up. I actually sneaked away to come here!" "I hope your daddy comes here to see you," I joked. "Oh God! Gem! You just hit a nerve talking about Daddy. It gave me goosebumps." Amber rubbed her arm back and forth. Amber and I continued drinking. A guy named Brandon was looking at me. He kept his gaze fixed on me even when I looked away. I pretended not to care. For a while, Marco, Caleb, and Jackson returned to the table. We didn't know where the woman who was with Marco went, and she didn't come back. Then we continued drinking until the pub was about to close. After a while, my phone rang. I picked it up and checked who had sent me a text message. When I clicked to look, I immediately knew who had greeted me. It was that guy named Brandon. From Brandon: I'm waiting in the car. He also mentioned the type of car he has and its registration number. I read the message but didn't reply. "Hey, Amber. I might leave first," I said. "Oh, are you leaving? Alright. I'll just go home with Jackson later," Amber replied with a meaningful smile. "You're leaving? The pub isn't closed yet. It seems like you're in a hurry to go home," Garry commented. "I have somewhere to go. Please excuse me," I uttered. "Hey, Gem. Don't forget next time, you have to sleep with me," Caleb whispered. I nodded. "Alright. I won't forget." "Amber, don't get too drunk." I turned to tell Amber. She nodded at me and responded, "Okay." Then I walked out of the pub and headed straight to the car of a guy named Brandon. As I was walking towards the car, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. But I didn't read them because I was trying to spot Brandon's car. After walking around for a while, I found his car. I opened the door and sat inside. When I got inside, Brandon was waiting for me. "So, let's go?" he asked. I nodded. Brandon then started the car and drove away from the pub. "You haven't told me your name yet." He looked at me. "Do I really need to say it?" I said quietly, maintaining a serious expression. As I finished my sentence, Brandon seemed a bit taken aback by my response. "Please tell me your name. I really want to know your name," he pleaded. "It's not necessary," I replied. "Why are you so cold?" he asked. "Smile for me, please... I think if you smile, you must be very beautiful," he added. Why does this guy talk so much? I'm starting to get annoyed. I remained silent and didn't answer. Then I leaned my head against the car window. "You're so cold huh," Brandon said as he continued driving. While we were in the middle of our journey to his condo, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. I checked my phone to see who was sending the messages, and it seemed urgent. I saw that the messages were from Marco. From: Marco Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Come back to the front of the pub. I'll wait for you. Who is with you in the car, huh? Where are you now? Why aren't you replying? I didn't respond to his messages. After reading them, I turned off my cell phone. "Is your boyfriend looking for you?" Brandon asked me. It seemed like he also noticed the consecutive messages coming to my phone. "No, and stop asking questions," I replied to him. Brandon just shrugged his shoulders. After a short while, we arrived at his condo. When we entered, he took me up to his room. It was a very luxurious room, indicating that he must come from a wealthy background. "Please give me your account number. I don't have any cash here. I'll transfer it to you," Brandon said, handing me his phone. I entered the account number for him. After a while, a voice message came in, but I didn't see how much was transferred. "Do you want it in the room or here?" I asked, then pointed to the large sofa. "Who said I would do that to you?" Brandon smiled sweetly at me. "What do you mean?" I asked him. "I just want to sleep and hold you. I didn't think of anything like that," he clarified. After Brandon said he didn't want anything to happen between us and just wanted to cuddle, I took my cell phone and checked how much money he had transferred to my account. And I was surprised to see that the money was quite a lot. "If that's the case, why did you transfer such a large amount of money?" I asked him. "Well, I just wanted to." Brandon smiled sweetly at me, then he took my hand and walked into the bedroom. Once inside the room, we both lay down on the bed. Brandon hugged me from behind. "Hey, are you already asleep?" I heard him ask. But I remained silent and didn't respond. "You're probably asleep. Good night, then." After saying that, Brandon kissed me once on the shoulder. Throughout the night, Brandon did indeed keep his word. And I couldn't believe that he didn't do anything other than just hold me. Perhaps this guy is going crazy, paying me a large sum of money but nothing happened between us. The next morning was Saturday. I didn't have any classes at the university today. I woke up late, so I got up and prepared to go back to my condo. Meanwhile, Brandon was still asleep beside me. But when he felt me getting up, he also woke up. "Are you leaving?" he asked, opening his eyes. "Yeah," I replied curtly. "I'll drive you," Brandon said, jumping out of bed and standing up. "No need. I can manage on my own," I told him. "No. I brought you here. I can't let you leave on your own. Just wait for me. I'll just take a quick shower." Brandon got up from the bed and hurriedly grabbed a towel before heading into the bathroom. But does he really think I will listen to him and wait for him? After Brandon went into the bathroom, I decided to leave his room as well. When I arrived outside the building, I hailed a cab to go back to my condo. Once I reached my room, I sat down on the sofa and let out a sigh. After a few moments, tears welled up in my eyes. "I miss you so much, Dad, Mom," I said as tears streamed down on my cheeks. This world is really cruel to me. After crying, I clenched my fists. I gritted my teeth and glanced out the window with vengeance burning in my eyes. "You will pay for everything you've done to me, Emma and Jin!" I exclaimed. Then, I raised my hand to gently wipe away my tears and took a deep breath. After a while, I got up from the sofa and took a shower, changing into fresh clothes. After that, I proceeded to clean my entire room. I was engrossed in what I was doing when my phone rang. When I checked, it was Amber calling me. "Hey, Amber, why did you call?" I asked her. "Are you at your condo right now? I'll come over. I'm bored," she said to me. "Sure, I'll wait for you," I replied. "Okay. I'll come over. Bye, Gem!" After that, she ended the call. Then I continued with my cleaning. After a while, I heard the sound of the doorbell. I thought it might be Amber, especially since I wasn't expecting any other visitors at the moment. So, after setting aside my cleaning supplies, I headed towards the door and opened it. However, I was surprised because it wasn't Amber who greeted me. "Marco!" I exclaimed in surprise. He took the opportunity to enter my condo without my permission! "Why are you here? What do you need?" I asked him after closing the door. "Where have you been? And why haven't you been replying to my messages, huh?" he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's none of your business where I've been. And why do I need to tell you?" I retorted. But Marco remained silent, just staring at my face. After a moment, my cell phone rang, indicating a new message. I was about to check it when Marco snatched it away from me. "What ! Give it back to me. You have no right to my personal belongings, Marco!" I exclaimed angrily. But it seemed like Marco wasn't even listening to what I was saying. His attention was solely focused on my cell phone. "Did you sleep with this guy?" Marco asked, raising the cell phone out of my reach. And I knew he was reading the messages from Brandon to me. "Yes! I slept with him!" I said, snatching the cell phone back from Marco's hand. "When will you stop selling your body, Gem? I've told you before! I'll take care of you! How much money do you need?!" he exclaimed forcefully. Marco had talked about this matter with me many times already, but I kept refusing. "You don't need to do that!" I told him. "Why don't you want to?!" he asked. "For what? So you can make me a mistress while you're with Jin? I know you exactly know what's going on between me and that woman! If you want me to stop selling myself, leave Jin! Because I won't settle for being just a mistress, Marco!" I retorted. "Are you going crazy?! I'm paying you and I never fail! And Jin? She has nothing to do with this! If you only knew, she wants you to come back home! You're the one making things difficult for yourself, Gem! What do you think you're doing? Don't you even think about Aunt Emma?" he said to me. "I'm an outsider. What do you know? Do you believe what those two are saying?" I exclaimed angrily. "Gemma!" Marco tightly squeezed my arm. But I didn't show him that I was in pain. Instead, I lifted my head and looked directly into his eyes. In these moments, I knew he was angry with me. After a while, his cell phone suddenly rang. Marco let go of my arm and answered the call, while his other hand remained in his pants pocket. "Yes, Jin. I'm on my way already," he said. "Huh!" I sarcastically laughed upon hearing the name of his caller. Marco turned towards me and stared at me. This guy is such a jerk. "Yes, I'll be there in half an hour. I just need to change," Marco added while looking at me. After that, he ended the call. In an instant, he pushed me down onto the large sofa. "Here's the money. Take it!" he said, holding it close to my face. "You'll be meeting your beloved girlfriend, won't you?" I asked in a soft voice, my hand gently caressing his arm. For now, I will let them be happy. But in the end, I will make sure that their happiness fades away. After a while, Amber arrived. "Gem, I think I saw Marco coming from here," she said to me. "That was him," I replied. "Oh, don't tell me you two are getting along now?" she asked. "No way!" I denied. "But I think Marco has feelings for you. So just let him be. By the way, where does he get the money he pays you?" she asked. "I don't know. He's not rich or anything. So that's strange," I replied. "That's exactly it!" she agreed. After that, Amber and I sat and talked for a while. As the afternoon passed by, Amber said she was bored, so she invited me to go out and take a walk to the mall. But when we arrived there, we heard someone calling us from behind, asking us to wait while we were busy strolling. "Hey, ladies. Wait for me!" Amber and I turned to see who it was. "Oh! He's the guy who kept staring at you last night, right?" Amber remarked.		Enjoy reading-D r e am e		97	https://www.facebook.com/100086468286886/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2731696	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 6:36 PM	1740993489	1746056189		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481980789_578357378695154_3099941124737637187_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mtYCRBd4aEYQ7kNvgG9soYq&_nc_oc=Adj7QJa6GFXzmLw4s9flw7ZGsJ6oyq_wTW0KzDQKBro5T1BhnjIracUuDamPuGWXljnQMS9lF5y7ImE9w-jreZsr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYBu28Murv_WQ_iNg0aqljQc538k1QT75OfvpRO12VyDcA&oe=67CB36FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732293	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	7/8/25, 6:04 AM	1740993502	1751972696		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481082903_614338364784981_5269955902463981030_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_SZLUM46_4QQ7kNvgGbp5SB&_nc_oc=AdhoCfLd6OzTX94e7hofKRqv2SkhX2r08qs6p1_qJeVmnBHhBAKNV_x9kwjmhqnm0XiADIIiqAjNKb11k0iftesz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYCTFXu9TQYHkikWHagsA_7Kxhni3hELQaldJVVxsDR15w&oe=67CB4D7D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732111	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 6:00 PM	1740993498	1746054011		2747																										www.the-neuropathy-treatment.com	Watch more			VIDEO	How To Never Having Neuropathy Again		https://thebillionairebrainwave.click/vipzowcfn2/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}}&sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&cwr={{campaign.id}}&cname={{campaign.name}}&domain={{domain}}&placement={{placement}}&adset={{adset.name}}&adname={{ad.name}}&site={{site_source_name}}&xid=0i3bg5lz&sck={{campaign.name}}&src={{ad.name}}			1.4923584726636E+14	Emily Hayes	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481695358_1190434009176122_4118877312481503224_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5egXKpzqxG8Q7kNvgHnW2hy&_nc_oc=Adj5LvlBBO-kqF2q5tzlO0ORaY4dNi-pvjhxV7AWkdr1FkjCwvCZcIrC497cGbtFes9bnqwrgvtk0QS4be7bA7n_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AjYxs6eNjRXRpO2GRfIe6zp&oh=00_AYCF9vFTEUH2N-yMSBwIM41KQxjZjYYwAB8RYw25GFaDDw&oe=67CB527B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Emily Hayes		763	https://www.facebook.com/100089735587294/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731569	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 5:12 AM	1740993487	1749895979		2747																										d.eavideo.net	Learn more			VIDEO	👉 Dive into their world now – download and start watching!		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1lcsofp5&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&accoutid=539492142286000&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000515%26nid%3D300000515%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D1255%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D0%26pa%3D999999			3.6876802632907E+14	Eashort Flicks	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481998684_685927193974491_2111926910006084740_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=fRSEEvWZqMAQ7kNvgE-JcPU&_nc_oc=AdgH2swoEXacyWsF_CGT-fT8TCPUjMyV1Tw-fENMv9LMQzD0EenSPH0s_gPW5zP_cA7dLTpfML0wXmyV6zNAOGfl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYDn5KYtoFvQsaMXWm9U9SH7sy3xHHkqv76x-9BomEvFwg&oe=67CB44E1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 A Pretend Marriage Turns Into True Love! 🌟 She’s a talented jewelry designer, and he’s a mysterious billionaire. What starts as a fake marriage to save face quickly becomes an undeniable bond. Will their hearts fall for each other, or will their fake relationship fall apart? 🔥 From fiery arguments to passionate moments, “The Fake Marriage of a Billionaire” is a romantic rollercoaster you won’t want to miss! 💕 📺 Witness the emotional journey as two people who never expected to fall in love slowly discover they’re meant to be together. What started as a lie, ends up being their greatest truth. ✨ Join their unexpected love story, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. ✨ 👉 Start watching now – download and fall in love with the drama! 💖		Eashort Flicks		55	https://www.facebook.com/61565937680017/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731805	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 6:21 PM	1740993492	1746055317		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Download			VIDEO	날 해고해? 망하고나서 울고불고하지 마		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=678a202609669df8c00d2715&chapterId=ahyo8d8rco&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=2674%253A41782236683&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481279990_647448907896414_248139874938406993_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CQeeSohWESUQ7kNvgEalvHr&_nc_oc=AdjPL6AxyhQT4pnVQPQ7UrNFOEEmnWCxbn1ft3vtOpzREXyaad4E-oQ2Vj6G896sQjHFqncCWR_HnJokDUIc90Oj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYD959i36xLf9Xecz7tSkcKOZJH_g-zGDJI9gxMxHMrsGw&oe=67CB539C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		실리콘밸리 최고의 기술 천재인 에릭은 대표의 아들 윌리엄에게 해고당한 후, 전 직장의 경쟁사 대표이자 매력적인 여성인 에블린과 손을 잡는다. 하여 에릭의 전 직장은 파산 위기에 처하게 되고 윌리엄은 그제야 자신이 실수한 걸 깨닫지만 이미 모든 것이 늦어버린 뒤였다.		Reelshort-Video stories		618217	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2732169	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 8:00 PM	1740993500	1746061215		2747																										ketobrainz.com	Learn More			CAROUSEL			https://ketobrainz.com/			3.8900853499302E+14	Keto Brainz	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480734062_1195157995369529_6966204341607035054_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hl956Z01WEEQ7kNvgGswSsY&_nc_oc=AdgcQihsL0jhNMEbWViIiQeD6dAVJg4cXXu3tuCrLXGWSLAVBKtXKIUcWpKDUd1Xo7wglrAa30vM6PIKEy2PL4sX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDVAqkVVBO4d-iyGf7cUUNCe_EGI5Q1Nbl7VQSlVZXLIg&oe=67CB4242	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Keto Brainz		873	https://www.facebook.com/KetoBrainz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731385	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 12:55 PM	1740993483	1749837336		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480690608_638557272193086_8724787403864835651_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=VR4BlF1aSfkQ7kNvgFYoipd&_nc_oc=AdhNIKkUp_isBEbZsOtK88ux-uWZ7w16sHfXCFU_w0ya0ECOwsM08OxQCVkTiGL6OkZ0zN-witseJ8AMGaHO0dau&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCTQ0q_O9zqdNDj6uGkcR96ZlOYiQ-QvOswKVbNZIwmpQ&oe=67CB2EB3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731566	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:46 PM	1740993487	1749861976		2747																										auroracratebookbox.com	Shop now			IMAGE	Sylvia Mercedes Book Box	Our special edition preorder of WarBride by Sylvia Mercedes is finally here! This box will feature a special and limited hardcover edition of WarBride by Sylvia Mercedes and is available to preorder until March 9th for everyone who wants to order! This edition will include features such as: -New exc...	https://auroracratebookbox.com/products/sylvia-mercedes-book-box			2.0330325952679E+14	Aurora Crate	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481280802_4214042848822845_3007857382643179044_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_4BLNDvVyecQ7kNvgGAerZN&_nc_oc=Adhc11AMgM3HVTJCAWHHOHLdVwvZNx-ehku87lMVXSIaBWbfnbRNR6ar-gXuuvPaH8n4Qi9SMFwf1g5maREYe5Ox&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A2cO0RkdUFUFqDaF6Ipr7vo&oh=00_AYBQ1eMV3LIUeZhwn5eXMgIA7GfmS3dy8SMHG_CxtOVyJQ&oe=67CB4CFC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		✨💜LIMITED EDITION💜✨ We are super excited to share that our special hardcover edition with sprayed edges featuring Sylvia Mercedes is now available for preorder! 🥳 💜Everyone can order - NO subscription needed! Get your copy here or via the 🔗 in our bio! https://auroracratebookbox.com/products/sylvia-mercedes-book-box Do you love watching a cold-hearted fae discover that his one weakness just might be the spitfire princess who gets on his nerve? Then this one’s for you! ❤️‍🔥 This deluxe limited hardcover edition will feature: 💜Exclusive Illustrated dustjacket with holographic foil by skadior_art ✨Exclusive hardcover design by yosbedesign 💜Gorgeous foil details by yosbedesign ✨Illustrated endpapers by sheisketch 💜Digitally sprayed edges by flarity.art SPECIAL BONUS: HAND-SIGNED bookplate by Sylvia Mercedes Also included in the box: - Art print - Bookmark - Sticker This is a limited edition and is available for an open-preorder until March 9th! *We are not a sub-box so NO subscription is needed* NOTE: This is a preorder and expected to ship in August/September 2025. #bookstagram #fantasyromance #fantasyromancebooks #bookbox #fantasybooks #romancebooks #romantasy #specialeditionbooks #specialedition #specialeditionbook #romantasybooks #booklover #bookshelf #auroracratebookbox #auroracrate #sylviamercedes		Aurora Crate		1044	https://www.facebook.com/auroracratebookbox/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731477	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:17 PM	1740993485	1749860273		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257920_673263238697363_2740773301522014349_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UhXJzV-kErQQ7kNvgEPmfMh&_nc_oc=Adh5I5iV-vG0XfNlu-tkvzV2Vsj8UWJNW_dBb7GsbEcNzB4qO-E7dHgPllDYhr4AqnOxM3s6ZrgM5vIBYLVtqtjU&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYA3QNE0_Dc0iCwcS_h_WRL6RwAoFzQd3oBDpndcSPYpzg&oe=67CB534A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731779	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:19 PM	1740993491	1749860362		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16084322en-fb-x613-en-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=BDE970862A40C45B9D649312196F8DF99432B36F9E3C4404			3.8074603846233E+14	TV short	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481264967_2374952262885820_3998245985387525498_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kB9j20bamMMQ7kNvgFf3RNK&_nc_oc=Adj1raJMx-KwbO0MtEKH-3bCvQcYF_pPQHeZujoE-LAYLcRbOAks75_AY3iqIO12a5GSUclh4ScynLevJTOAb719&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYAWd_E5A_k84n88TVoMXbGX8x9L5m8nOL9T5j0gTSO4MA&oe=67CB3131	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fifteen years ago, Evan, a genius boy and heir to the esteemed Bailey family, was taken in by the Harrison family after losing his parents and enduring torment from their son. Luckily, Evan's four stunning aunts—each possessing unique prowess as a powerful warrior, celebrated actress, miracle-working doctor, and successful business tycoon—found him, showering Evan with love. Together, they orchestrated retribution against those who had wronged him.		TV short		4385	https://www.facebook.com/61564918915033/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731530	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:22 PM	1740993486	1749860531		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481117244_1153430139836668_8581756203212010342_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D8mtbLug_NkQ7kNvgHKMlWh&_nc_oc=AdhTs68OUpA4dTVhLCKQC2f81DO9NnfWvG3Q0HXHTOdVafcFyc1U52SqfxDAeJYlLBiOh_g5LJbodCIaNGyN7O_f&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD3gUm0uHmZ7i6JPvsdvNi4zjKIFzP1aoFxkk5WFijWXA&oe=67CB4E71	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731697	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 8:58 PM	1740993490	1746064728		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482008355_1192699555553691_2258485200185442524_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1L-Z-H9879wQ7kNvgGFHhTk&_nc_oc=AdjUTAiGXcvWbQwh-M35LOvD-960_SezCWhXu1UYYgyRSXlIMZcVF9t6MRe47K5by1ufdQeUv0Aok3Qk6VasWvNP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYBzdAxkVEoGoYzHHmi4HdX_LATer7nMC2PAKrAX6PUWgg&oe=67CB37E1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731895	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/10/25, 10:16 PM	1740993494	1746933404		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481909637_941971561257700_7326395873105585761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ls-V2szjwD0Q7kNvgGY7vQw&_nc_oc=Adg6w3NZiHydfwgyyV4a1bDsclU_ctLWVo-nc3jLmNUEtHcSE0lM4--Nq5Oat4HrVMSH4MqskVnGyU-tgnDBXuho&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDbDJL3AJTJR2lnRgzeslPCXgoPA6tTA2_NKpjkfq3wTQ&oe=67CB38CF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732177	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	4/30/25, 10:07 PM	1740993500	1746068839		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram profile			VIDEO			http://instagram.com/trainapx			1.0255541275743E+14	Apx training systems	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481778920_1158917862565567_7066739921484482252_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gw35UGK7ANoQ7kNvgHOSfUY&_nc_oc=AdirYsMewMROnz9k0ZpQM2Xtj3TXbWumofsJoJ7Cje3V9VwyWmeUnQbyIZPkxbQI_LL05x9DU0SSLFZsyZieZUn6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYCHvUhuPJtog7lnR094NpBvbmvhHnwdXm8AV6-SQvGzig&oe=67CB36DE	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Tight hamstrings? It might not be just your hamstrings—it could be nerve tension. If stretching your hamstrings never seems to help, the issue might not be muscle tightness—it could be sciatic nerve tension. The sciatic nerve runs down the back of your leg, and if it’s restricted, it can create a sensation of tightness, even if your hamstrings have full range of motion. The supine nerve glide shown above helps improve nerve mobility, allowing for smoother movement through the hip and pelvis. It can also help reduce nerve-related tightness and improve overall flexibility. Try it out: 1️⃣ Lie on your back with one knee bent, foot flat on the floor. 2️⃣ Grab behind your opposite thigh and bring your knee toward your chest. 3️⃣ Slowly extend your knee while pulling your toes toward you (dorsiflexion). 4️⃣ Reverse the movement by bending your knee and pointing your toes away (plantarflexion). 5️⃣ Move in and out of this position for 10-15 reps, keeping it gentle and pain-free. This helps free up nerve movement without stretching tissues that don’t need it. #MobilityTraining #MoveBetter #HamstringTightness #SciaticNerve #NerveGlides #PainFreeMovement #InjuryPrevention #StrengthAndMobility #FitnessTips #MovementMatters #APXTrainingSystems #ForThoseWhoMove		Apx training systems		4	https://www.facebook.com/100090160023654/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2731365	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:24 PM	1740993482	1749860690		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480743889_992576585638666_6530803737192390778_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nBCR9bOdgWIQ7kNvgFEaWXC&_nc_oc=AdjCjtgdaMq9gMI8PB5y25aaKukcdJ3CQXgbFPS07yg1XAMFQyDRzShLXDO_0rHSsLStINHWo5fkVaLZkwtztBkR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCd_9fOqZFa3fmwfPwG-0i-6vtoX2ixuLYujPHhUbxFbg&oe=67CB3378	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731518	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:34 PM	1740993485	1749861264		2747																										instagram.com	Visit Instagram Profile			CAROUSEL			http://instagram.com/dr.sarabloom			1.0230277447018E+14	Dr. Sara Bloom	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481257012_556341500062883_3125364776923617727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6McbMPuQtyIQ7kNvgEUkK7W&_nc_oc=AdiNX4Tir2FXZMu8bYOCOCZYj4QecsT89I0H_sfGRqixgGcRBWX1xk0tU-fUPAz89wlIJug00VxhVP-7zmAD9ciO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD7EvRZP6yYcAhbuiMoxrBAbFl6dP_yROIckDipxlRmPg&oe=67CB38A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0				Dr. Sara Bloom		5	https://www.facebook.com/100081716703007/	0		VIEW_INSTAGRAM_PROFILE								View Edit Delete
2732136	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 7:01 PM	1740993499	1749859265		2747																										painchef.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Sleep pain-free from hip and back aches (here’s how…)	FREE Shipping on Every Order – No Minimum Purchase Required!	https://painchef.com/products/painchef%E2%84%A2%EF%B8%8F-alignment-pillow?variant=54889044803966			3.7851319868427E+14	Paincheff	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481829060_1011192287583201_291939526249147215_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=daHd1qAleDoQ7kNvgEjHGBF&_nc_oc=AdhM60gmLCMj0BN6sse_8qFmTe7Ch9KLGfX2M-CQiyzNqwmRslS3MgiD8BzJkMTYD5GJiv-AgHQUa35Um0oBeeqp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AZOKtV7TlC30BTObFG05j5S&oh=00_AYDJ69ZuMAjeBOUiyo2xKIbehr6Is81FMWwG2wO1rNPWew&oe=67CB53C4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Side Sleeper: Hip pain or Back aches? Here’s why most side sleepers struggle with hip pain and back aches in 2024 and what you can do about it… Lying on your side without proper support causes the spine to twist and pull, also known as misalignment. Ignoring this can lead to more serious issues like sciatic nerve damage, chronic pain, and, in the worst scenario - high-risk surgery. It’s important to get the right support to prevent worsening and relieve any existing discomfort. That’s why a top physical therapist helped develop the Painchef Pillow. ✅ The Painchef Alignment Pillow is designed to: ➡️ Relieve hip, lower back & sciatica pain ➡️ Align the spine ALL night ➡️ Stay in place even when turning over Why not just use a ‘regular’ pillow? Two reasons: 1. A regular pillow provides some relief, but it usually won’t stay in place during the night. 2. More importantly; regular pillows are designed to support your head/neck, and not your hips, legs or knees. The Painchef Pillow includes a soft elastic strap and is designed to fit between the legs. Within just a few days, you’ll get back to uninterrupted nights and enjoying life free of pain. 🎁The Painchef Pillow comes with FREE shipping & 60-Night Money-Back Guarantee. You will either get results or your money back guaranteed. Get yours now totally risk-free with up to 50% OFF → https://painchef.com/products/painchef%E2%84%A2%EF%B8%8F-alignment-pillow?variant=54889044803966		Paincheff		39	https://www.facebook.com/61563534966307/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731852	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 1:13 AM	1740993493	1746943982		2747																										fb.lovenovelshort.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥Click to Read	More chapters	https://fb.lovenovelshort.com/book/loading/page/novelshortnew/pageCode/12-181541212354?utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_content={{campaign.name}}			4.1091837876134E+14	Novel Short	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481445360_526015756720444_5331391477353712159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yVQxDjs9c6wQ7kNvgFgX0MR&_nc_oc=AdiWP1L6VHZLuG2t4UMhvWhDaEurjykXEKHYglRwNIH-bzwNYK1c3ZaYzF8RpnXDyQO2MvS1JOxFUsNvKdWzAwr_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AHjGLMgphR4hdkvsxaeUxCg&oh=00_AYAI1pQkZzB1Gs1yByiB7Ima9P48pDkW8KK7uqjbXzpanA&oe=67CB2D3A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“No, cease all operations. It seems I will be back sooner than we had planned,” I spoke into the phone as I bit down hard on my lips trying not to show weakness. The moment I hung up, I released a shaky breath as I stared at the gift bag in my hands. My eyes watered and I let out a scoff. “Seven years of dedication and this is the thanks I get,” I muttered, staring at the box. I was staring at the contents of a small gift box I had found inside my husband’s jacket. Seven years of marriage and my husband had never given me anything, he’d say I was vain when I requested something. But here is a customized diamond bracelet worth ten thousand dollars. He's gotten it for his secretary, Hailey. The words engraved on the body of the bracelet made my heart shatter into a million pieces. My love forever and always, from Tony to Hailey. The bedroom door creaked open as my husband, Tony, stepped inside with a frown on his face. “What’s taking you so long to get my jacket, Ciara?” he asked when he came inside. “This,” I answered, shoving the gift box in his hands. His face crumpled a bit and he sighed, “Hailey’s boyfriend broke up with her and she's been sad so I decided to get her this gift to cheer her up.” I chuckled, at the fact that he was lying straight to my face. He had a lot of nerve, it’s been two years since Hailey entered our lives as his secretary and since then our marriage has never been the same. Tony had stopped sleeping at home for several days since then and he’d come back only when it was necessary. I had long suspected he was cheating on me with Hailey but I've never caught them in the act. Maybe because I was too busy running my husband’s business in the shadows while he thought it was his hard work that brought him success. “Listen, Ciara, it’s not a big deal. Hailey works for me and I can decide to gift her or give her a bonus to buy things for herself so she can be efficient in her work,” Tony added when I didn't say anything. I nodded, “Does it include using the lines from our wedding vow?” Tony seemed tongue-tied for a moment before he recovered, “Why are you questioning me, Ciara? Don't you trust me? I told them to engrave her ex-boyfriend’s name with the words but they made a mistake and put my name instead since I paid for it.” I laughed, “Yes, Tony, keep talking to me like I’m a toddler. You can gift your secretary but not your wife.” As expected, Tony exploded and got defensive, “How dare you? I’ve been working and taking care of you all these years while you stayed home doing nothing and yet you're still an ungrateful woman!” With those words he stormed out of the bedroom, taking the gift box with him. I didn't bother dwelling on his words as I needed to prepare for the burial we were supposed to attend together but now he's gone. One of his colleagues and work friends had passed away in a fatal accident. I was a bit close to the late man’s wife so I wanted to show my support. I opened the wardrobe and got dressed in my black simple dress then I went outside only to find out Tony had left with the limousine. I grabbed his car keys and took his black sedan instead. As I opened the glove compartment, a box stumbled to the floor. I frowned, how many gifts did he get her? I opened the box and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nostrils. I was familiar with this scent, it was a perfume that my husband always came back home with. When I asked he said he meets a lot of people every day so it’s normal for their perfume to rub off on him. There was red sexy lingerie inside with a note that read: to remind you of our explosive night yesterday. My hands shook as I clenched the note. Yesterday, Tony hadn't returned home until early this morning. He went out with this car and claimed that he worked late with Hailey and he had to drop her off because there wasn't any cab available. I scoffed and chucked the box beside the passenger’s seat as I drove toward his office. I've been patient for two years listening to his lies and being treated like a gullible teenager but no more, I deserve an explanation. It’s the least he could give me after seven years of our life together. I pulled up in front of his office and entered inside, my eyes scanning every employee but Hailey was nowhere to be found. I took the elevators to the top floor and went to Tony’s office. As I opened the door I saw Hailey doing a video as she displayed her bracelet and said, “Hey everyone, see what my rich boyfriend got for me.” Chapter 2 Ciara’s Pov “Your rich boyfriend, huh?” I asked. Hailey looked shocked to see me as she stood up and turned off her phone, pasting a fake smile on her face. “Hello, Mrs. Reeds, what are you doing here?” she asked nervously. I scoffed, “This is my husband’s office, I should be asking you that.” “Uh… he's at a meeting. Please don't tell him I was sitting here,” she pleaded. “Stop playing games with me, Hailey, I know you're dating my husband,” I snapped, tossing the lingerie toward her. The vulnerable facade she had earlier slipped from her face as a coy smile formed on her lips. “Oops,” she giggled as she picked up the lingerie, “Busted.” I was surprised by her nonchalant attitude, “Aren’t you ashamed that you're sleeping with my husband?” She flashed her bracelet at me and shrugged, “Nope, why should I be? You're the one who should be ashamed he's cheating on you.” I reacted before I could think and my palm landed across her cheeks as I stared at her harshly. “You vile creature, you will regret ever speaking to me in that tone,” I threatened. Hailey’s eyes flashed with hatred as she glared at me, “No, Ciara, you're the one who would regret laying your filthy hands on me.” I was surprised to see that there was no remorse in her eyes when suddenly she threw herself to the floor and clutched her cheeks as she cried out in pain. “No, Mrs. Reeds, please, I’m sorry. I didn't ask for this, you're misunderstanding,” she cried. I scoffed, oblivious to her schemes, “Okay, now you're asking for mercy?” It was when I saw the small coy smile playing on her lips that I realized it was all an act. Just then the door opened and Tony burst into the office, his face filled with fury. “What nonsense is this?” he yelled at me, “Why are you here, Ciara?” I scoffed as I watched him help Hailey stand up. He checked her cheeks that had my palm print on them. “What? Here to defend your mistress?” I hissed at him. “I’m sorry, sir, your wife seems to be misunderstanding the gift you got me. Please, don't blame her, it’s not her fault,” Hailey said pitifully. “Wow, you deserve an Oscar!” I snapped at her. “Get out!” Tony said to me. I was momentarily shocked as I stared at him my eyes widening in surprise. “Wh…what?” I stuttered. “Get out of my office, Ciara, and never come to my workplace to create such a scene,” he snapped. “But I saw her —” My words were cut short when I felt a sharp sting across my face only to realize Tony had just slapped me. “I am your husband and you will obey me. GET OUT!” he yelled. I touched my cheeks as my eyes stung with tears while Hailey gave me a smug smile as I stumbled out of his office, my body frozen with shock. Tony, who had never let me get hurt before, had just slapped me for another woman. The realization was like a bitter pill to swallow as I drove to the cemetery where the burial was supposed to be held. I tried not to think of the incident and focus on comforting the man’s wife but it became worse when Tony arrived with Hailey and they stood beside me trying to mirror the image of a perfect couple with me as their secretary. Just as the service was concluded and the coffin was lowered into the ground, the woman burst into tears. I was certain she was mourning a love that had ended abruptly. Even though my husband wasn't dead I knew how she felt because, for the past two years, it felt like my husband was dead. That was when we heard the screeching of tires as about ten SUVs surrounded the cemetery. Before I knew it the sound of gunshots filled the air as people screamed and scrambled away while I watched as Tony dived down with Hailey shielding her with his body and I stood frozen with shock. There was danger and my husband instead of protecting me had left me for the wolves while he protected his mistress. “Get down!” an unfamiliar voice yelled. The words barely registered before I felt a sharp pain as someone tackled me to the ground and I lost track of time as my eyes suddenly grew heavy. “Stay with me!” I heard an unfamiliar voice but it sounded so distant. Then I slowly closed my eyes and gave in to the darkness. Chapter 3 Ciara’s Pov The incessant beeping of the machine was the first sound I heard when I opened my eyes followed by the bright lights hanging above me. I realized I was in the hospital as the memories of Tony shielding Hailey with his body flashed before my eyes. What had happened? I wondered as I felt a sharp pain close to my stomach. The door opened and a doctor came inside. She had a bright smile on her face. “Mrs. Reeds, I’m so glad you're awake,” she smiled. “What happened?” I asked, my throat dry. “You don't recall?” she asked, frowning. I shrugged, “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” The doctor helped me sit up as I let out a sharp groan, she smiled apologetically at me before propping me with a pillow. “You were shot, Mrs. Reeds,” she said, as I gulped down the water she gave me. My mind flashed to the gunshot and I frowned, I had thought it was a dream but that was the sad reality of my life. “In the course of performing surgery to remove the bullet we found out you were pregnant, we tried our best but you lost the baby,” the doctor added. The words rang in my ears as I sat feeling numb, staring at her while my hands subconsciously touched my lower belly. “I was pregnant?” I asked. The doctor nodded, “We are so sorry, Mrs. Reeds. If there's anything you need at all —” “When will I be discharged?” I asked, interrupting her. She blinked, “The nature of your injuries is severe, I don't recommend leaving the hospital soon.” “How fast can I be discharged?” I demanded, a bit forceful this time. The doctor swallowed cautiously, “We can keep you for observation, and if there's no bleeding you can leave tomorrow but you're not allowed to do any strenuous task.” I nodded, “Thank you, Doctor.” She smiled at me and left. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text message to an unsaved number on my phone just as I heard a light knock on the door. I raised my head and saw it was Tony, standing in the doorway with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry, I just panicked and I was closer to Hailey and you're older than her so I figured you'd know what to do, I didn't know you would keep standing till the bullet hit you,” Tony rambled in what seemed like an apology. I just gave him a blank look without batting an eye at him. “Say something, please,” he said, “The doctor told me about the baby too. I know we've been trying to get one for years. I'm sure you'll get pregnant again.” I scoffed, for two years Tony had never touched me until he came home one-night drunk as a skunk one month ago and we had. After that, he never touched me and that was how I got pregnant. I looked away from him and focused my attention on my phone which was now pinging with a series of text messages. “Mrs. Reeds, please forgive us.” The sound of Hailey’s mocking voice was like a slap to my face as I looked up and saw her hiding behind Tony, without a single bruise on her body while Tony had scratches on his arm and face from protecting her. Without thinking, I removed the IV and stood up ignoring the searing pain I felt below my abdomen. Tony, who knew me so well, saw the rage on my face as he tried to shield Hailey with his body. “Please, Ciara, she's just a kid don't be mad at her,” he pleaded, “Be mad at me instead —” The words were barely out of his lips when I slapped him, pushing him aside. Tony was so shocked he barely had time to stand up as I slapped Hailey twice and pushed her to the ground. Hailey cried and held her cheeks while Tony scrambled and ran toward her. “Ciara, are you mad? See what you've done to the innocent girl. She's not the one who sent shooters to the burial or made you keep standing like a fool while they were shooting,” Tony spat angrily. I stared at him and scoffed, “Both of you will regret this, I will make sure of it.” With my eyes blazing in anger, I walked out of the hospital. I barely made it to the car park when I realized my stitches had ripped and I was bleeding. “Damn it!” I groaned. I leaned heavily against a car when I saw two black SUVs heading toward me. The cars stopped before me as armed men stepped out of the car. One of the men stepped forward and bowed before handing me an envelope. “It's ready, Mistress,” he said. I opened the envelope and read the contents nodding as I hurriedly signed before giving it back to him. “Make sure he signs it,” I ordered. The man nodded as he led me to the car which drove off immediately. “Relax, Mistress, we’ll soon arrive at the private airstrip where we parked the jet,” the driver said. I nodded and relaxed even though my lower abdomen was hurting me. Just as we arrived and I was about to enter the jet, my phone rang. I glanced at it and saw it was Tony. “Ciara, what is this madness? Instead of you to apologize for what you've done to Hailey you hired goons to force me to sign a divorce certificate? Come here right now!” Tony spat angrily over the phone. “Go to hell and so help me God if you ever call my number again I’ll make you wish for death!” I threatened before I hung up and tossed my phone into the trash. I smoothed my dress as I walked into the helicopter. I will make Tony and Hailey regret their actions. They just wait!"		Novel Short		18526	https://www.facebook.com/61563664675187/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731683	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 5:13 AM	1740993489	1746958387		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mate 👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1948.html?id=1948&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=6&channel_id=NFF100282&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481696519_1162315372092660_3174764525647719670_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lmEmaVahEcEQ7kNvgEgc9FR&_nc_oc=AdimPEkIJaIu_Ly7kILEJ42Jc2SambqvZIKTZ1a7a1VYdOoRwRDhaKiBB-0MbCWFZ5devSyERrF6MQh1yBgrdL7S&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYAcug7JfQtY5NPZVUN6MK4ACqAdzyenzSuZE23-DiRWDg&oe=67CB3F41	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732303	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:19 PM	1740993502	1749863987		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Vai subito agli episodi completi ❗👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=48350&language=it&timestamp=1738059602860&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481178228_1600913180614108_8176416633969103073_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f4kM6WWjS7YQ7kNvgHxYStl&_nc_oc=AdjXhL1zFSgEIJx7lCgag8_aVApj7TcWH77STormyqsCN_Sn5sGRvwRU8BxgYi_4xzZLomSlgXYeU55PexdC1JPQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYABPAuV2GZ2tm6hagkVPo_ZFc476KEv0zioE74jqkREwg&oe=67CB4106	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔞Caldo, così caldo.🔞 🔥Migliaia di brevi drama vengono aggiornati continuamente...... Giovane padrone, la signora ha firmato un accordo di divorzio ed è volata all'estero...... 👇Scarica ShortMax per guardare altre serie🎬		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731454	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 5:20 AM	1740993484	1746958810		2747																														VIDEO	The Sign of His Glory					1.0726874464155E+14	Turner N Turner Ministries	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481085295_649923454190986_5537608840136204756_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vzwY6Dgd5tgQ7kNvgGmhBx_&_nc_oc=AdjKmz4HZINKluP7G0bM4LMnGcuxJ-USPKztsjhPCFb1PESBuUzivJyoBSowyzp2_XGra7eGvmwvhfC_VpJb5fUb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYBbIEWSqm8qaHG50gxHTqnLrNzXkJ5lfx4C3P0f-jjyAg&oe=67CB46CA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"The Sign of His Glory" John 2:1-11 Rev. Tammra Turner		Turner N Turner Ministries		790	https://www.facebook.com/100072193909474/	0										View Edit Delete
2731593	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:20 PM	1740993487	1749864059		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481111102_578802478649940_7919851745364106220_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=x6Ni4mSX-mwQ7kNvgE_Vsuo&_nc_oc=AdiFhP9GuhDp5FDMu4sbFR5pscluZ8wBqAhWL7VIi3T7ECyo_hd1Q_iWl7hQK01Nh--nMXLFZJkNMZURNXZqC8Ic&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYCVmb6nWVrWc-IJF4WjEMm3YKpLSaNGPfqJq6HCrjoM7g&oe=67CB5937	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15343	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731610	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:22 PM	1740993488	1749864162		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481340277_2372066946503999_6796174720679995403_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jnW1DSQlaqMQ7kNvgEGQJVa&_nc_oc=AdhpR4CFYSEcUPHNMtMyIehZTOF5mfOnbmCCF8gZrR47CQ6iOPYpJLBL2js3NvJ9UUsPhVmTnxV0qCRq9JETfDFe&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYC1ETPjwbvZR9ZDxUVviFnO_evYahxTTK-ujq89Kay_Rg&oe=67CB321D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731959	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 9:43 PM	1740993495	1749868995		2747																										moonstories.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥Top novel👉Click to read more chapters		https://moonstories.readlife.mobi/1ciqjjpmt00.html			5.699006362042E+14	Top Romance Novels	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480808496_1187502936307220_7058895491683050064_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wAece3EZAtsQ7kNvgEWxw9y&_nc_oc=AdhqXw5YLIOmajsBiDMBqLdaYwhZwlklU5v3l9f_b_iYyVcnDea1rTHcWYHxFeC-qeY25wAMNoAPkjbP2U6Plhb9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AnNjG9AAjRnSPXN9cCv1NjY&oh=00_AYAU8KcF5AECL3m7rWEhbVHCBRXHX850omby8bAhRhcpiA&oe=67CB4F12	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I ask Maddox, the school popular guy. My evil cousin and her friends forced me to do that. Now they are snickering and laughing with their hands over their mouths. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly went rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "O... Okay...?" The guy who turned down every girl at school? After I accidentally spilled my lunch all over him? "Wear red, it's your color." he responds. Great, my cousin’s gonna end me in my sleep tonight. Prologue "You must be Olivia," the blonde in front of me speaks in a bored manner, brushing a strand of wavy, blonde hair over her shoulder. I nod, trying to ignore the fact that she's nearly a foot taller than me. She's definitely grown up quite a bit since the last time I've seen her, given that was almost nine years ago. I'm sure I grew as well...a couple of inches at the most. "You must be Vivica," I smile at my cousin. She doesn't exactly smile back; instead she shifts her cheer-leading bag on her shoulder and looks at her mother. Rude. "Chelsea and Tracy are coming over at five. Can we get a pizza?" she inquires as she traces her long, manicured nail. Her mother nods. "Yeah, can Olivia hang out with you guys?" my aunt asks and I immediately feel my face go red. I spent the time Vivica wasn't home preparing for when she arrived. I got a drink and a snack just so I wouldn't have to engage in conversation with my stuck-up cousin. Now my aunt's just throwing me into the fire. "No, it's fine! I can, uh, I can make my own friends," I attempt to dismiss in an attempt to not make Vivica hate me anymore than she apparently already does. I have a feeling that I left quite the impression on my cousin all those years back. Vivica glares at her mother with narrowed eyes. When my parents told me that I was going to be coming here for the rest of my junior year, I tried to keep an open mind. However, the day before I was dropped off, my mom decided to let me know what exactly I was going to face. She warned me about my cousin's personality and her "impoliteness," as my mother called it. Basically, my mom said that she was spoiled and ungrateful. Well, she didn't exactly say the words, but she said something along those lines. A few years back, when I was around eight years old, I had to come and stay with Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Thomas, and Vivica during the summer. Vivica, however, went to a day camp; I remember her yanking me aside and demanding that I stay out of her room. I also remember hitting her and telling her not to touch me. And then I remember my father coming back to get me a few hours later, even though I had been there for only a week. "No, Vivica won't mind, right, dear?" Aunt Genevieve asks, looking at her daughter with the pointed expression that I know too well. My mother has the same one, probably because the two are sisters. Honestly, I don't want to hang out with Vivica and her friends. But I also remember my mother telling me to treat my aunt well and to not take advantage of her kindness, seeing as her daughter already does. "Of course not," Vivica says with a flat expression. I feel awkward as I stand between the two with my gaze locked on my feet. I hear footsteps and a door closing quite aggressively. Knowing that it was Vivica throwing a tantrum because of me, I hold back a sigh. My father won't be coming to get me anytime soon. "I'm sorry, she's just been having a bad week," my aunt excuses, trying to rack her brain for a potential reason as to why her daughter has been experiencing a bad few days. "She, uh, failed her French test." I nod and, with a short lived smile, head towards my room. Not all of us can be good at French, you know? "She'll warm up to you, I promise!" my aunt calls from behind me and I nod again before opening and closing the door to my new room. I'm sure she will...when I'm leaving. And who knows when that will be? And who knows if I can keep my cool until then? - + It's approximately 5:26 when Chelsea and Tracy appear and my mood immediately drop. I'm fetched from my room, where I'm hiding and unpacking my things, by a light knock on my door. Aunt Genevieve insists that I hang out with the girls no matter how much I protest. "No, I think I'll just unpack. And I need to study my schedule and the school map so I won't get lost." "No, it's okay I'll just stay in here." "I'm tired from the car ride; I'm going to take a nap." I'm going to punch your daughter in the face if she says something to me. Well, of course I didn't say that last one. I mean, my parents taught me some manners. The point is that no matter how many excuses I conjure up, there's no way I'm getting out of this. As my aunt drags me down the hall to Vivica's room, I'm thinking up excuses as to why I could leave early. Obviously, Vivica won't want me there, and I doubt her friends will. I feel like an intruder- a violent, reluctant intruder. We reach the door and a loud honking from outside jolts my aunt. "That's the pizza, I'll be right back. Stay here," she tells me before running off to the kitchen. As I stand outside of the door, I hear faint voices from inside, followed by laughter. "Well, on Friday, he crashed Adrianna's party. They got so drunk and they were trying to drive the four-wheelers around in the woods but the cops came," a voice I recognize as Vivica's relays. "Anyway, back to what I wanted to tell you guys, I asked him." "Don't tell me you asked him when the police arrived," one of the other girls responds in a joking voice. "No, Chelsea. I asked him before everything went down. I left as soon as the cops showed up. The last thing I need is my mother breathing down my neck about nearly getting arrested," Vivica retorts sourly. "But I asked him and he said no! In front of everyone!" "In front of everyone?" a different voice inquires curiously. I lean in a little closer to hear better. Now I'm kind of interested... "Did I not just say that, Tracy?" Vivica snaps in her familiar high-pitched tone. "He said no and his friends laughed! Those goth freaks had the nerve to laugh at me! I assumed that popular people go to homecoming with popular people; I didn't even stop to think that he might've said no. I mean, it's an honor to be asked by me, right? I was so embarrassed so I just called for my ride. He showed right when the cops did." "Maybe, he only said no because he had a few too many drinks," the same girl as before suggests hopefully. "I messaged him this morning before practice and he didn't respond. He read my message. He still hasn't replied," Vivica sighs. "How'd you get his number?" the girl Vivica called Chelsea inquires. "One of his friends gave it to me," Vivica confesses. "She gave it to me. And I know it's the right number because she showed me the contact, and it was actually him. I don't know how I'm going to face him on Monday." My aunt's footsteps sounds up the steps and I immediately retract from the door. Though I didn't know who or what they were talking about, I couldn't help but grow intrigued. Who had the nerve to turn down Vivica? Don't they know how rude she is? Aunt Genevieve appears carrying a large pizza box and she motions for me to open the door, so I do. "Hey girls, this is my niece, Olivia," my aunt introduces as she places the pizza box on the dresser not too far from the door. The girls are smiling, despite the fact that we've just interrupted an in-depth conversation. "Be nice to her. She's new in town." And with that simple statement, she closes the door, leaving me to stand there like an idiot. Like I predicted, Vivica's room is pink and purple. All of the girls are on the white carpet, and one of them motions for me to grab the food and sit down. She's brunette and is the only dark haired one of the three. She's a lot shorter than them, too. I can tell because even with her perfect posture, she can't sit up taller than the slouched girls. "I'm Tracy," the brunette introduces as I slowly and cautiously sat down, trying not to drop the large box of pizza. "Chelsea," the blonde announces. I smile nervously at both of them, noticing that they're both wearing cheerleading uniforms, much like what Vivica was wearing when she first walked into the house. She changed, though, into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top. "Olivia," I introduce with a nod. I guess they don't seem that bad. They're sort of amicable, as far as I can tell. "We know," they respond in unison. Vivica keeps her hands on her phone and texts away. "We were just playing truth or dare, weren't we girls?" Vivica ask with a smirk. She slowly tucks her phone away. I want to sigh as the words leave her mouth. "I thought it was dare or dare," says Tracy with a grin. I stare at the carpet, urging to just get up and leave. Amicable, yeah right. "Oh yeah," Chelsea nods her head. "It's your turn, Olivia." "But—," I don't want to play, especially not with people that I barely know, and already don't like. They lied straight to my face. "You have to go. We all went," Tracy adds sharply. Vivica stares at me with narrowed eyes, as if scrutinizing me. I can tell that they're judging me based off of whether or not I'll agree to take my turn. Refusing to come off as wimpy, I nod. "Okay," I state. "Maddox Finnegan," Vivica smirks broadly. The other two girls' eyes go wide. I simply quirk an eyebrow. What the heck is a Maddox Finnegan? Is that who they were talking about only moments ago? "That's a good one!" Chelsea coos. "Okay, so on Monday, you have to ask out Maddox Finnegan." "To homecoming!" Tracy adds with a mischievous grin. "Yeah!" Chelsea nods excitedly. "W-who's that?" I ask as I look between the three girls with a lost and embarrassed expression plastered on my face. It better not be the guy who rejected Vivica. If he rejected Vivica, he'd surely reject me. Vivica scoffs and the other girls simply grin knowingly. They refuse to say anything else and I can only sit there and watch as they snicker and laugh at my expense. This is going to be a great year. Chapter 1: The Mighty Fall Embarrassing. That's the one word I'm going to use to describe my first day at my new school, Gregory H. Peters Preparatory High School. Everyone keeps staring at me like I'm an alien. I'm betting that they don't get new kids very often. I stick out like a sore thumb. And the fact that I have no choice but to trail behind Vivica and her friends doesn't help whatsoever. So far, I've made no friends. I miss my old school. I didn't think I'd miss my old school, to be honest. I had a few friends there, most of whom I still talk to via text message and social media. I received a few "I miss you already" tweets this past weekend but I didn't bother to respond because that's just who I am, I guess. Distant is what my friends called me. Wild is what my parents called me, which is the entire reason why I'm here, in Harrington. Parties, parties, parties. That's all I did according to my parents. In actuality, I went to school, ate, slept, occasionally partied, watched television, and read. I also hung out with my younger brother, Charlie, pretty often. Speaking of Charlie, I miss him a lot, probably more than I miss my parents. I was out of 'control and needed a change of scenery'. I think my father was just embarrassed of having to break up parties that I threw, or was attending. He said that he made the decision to send me to Aunt Genevieve's as a father, not as a cop. But for some reason, I don't think that's the case. By the time lunch comes around, I'm unsure of where I'm going to sit. I don't want to be around Vivica and her toxic friends but I have nowhere else to go, really. My eyes scan the cafeteria once, twice, and three times before I notice Chelsea waving at me in the left, back corner of the large room. Should I just ignore her and pretend I didn't see her? But then where would I go? Hesitantly, I make my way over there, drawing eyes as I do. I let out a sigh. I wish I had spoken to someone, anyone, just so I wouldn't have to sit at my cousin's table. Today, I learned that she's popular, very popular. I just assumed that she was just a snob, but no, she's a very popular snob. So popular that she manages to split crowds just by getting in a room. If that didn't make me uncomfortable, the way she's whispering at the table does. I stop in my tracks, uncertain of whether or not I should actually go to the table. I can lie and say that I have to change my schedule, which is actually fine. I only have one class with Vivica and it's my first period class, which I can handle it. On Friday, when I was forced to hang out with Chelsea and Tracy, they demanded I give them my schedule. I have one class with Tracy and two with Chelsea, but I realized that she usually skips those classes. She said so in the car ride this morning, which I was also forced into taking. As I stand a few feet from the table, I decide that I'll just leave. I hastily turn around and slam into someone. The loud cafeteria falls silent as the sound of two people colliding and falling to the ground wafts through the air. I hear a deep voice swear and I feel my face immediately warm up. I waste no time in formulating my apologies. I'm such an idiot. I was just standing in the middle of the cafeteria staring at the table like a doofus. I stand up and look down at the guy that I bumped into. The ketchup that I retrieved for my fries is now a stain on his black uniform shirt. I continue to apologize as I look around for napkins; no one offers any. Instead, they all stare at us. By the tense aura of the room, I can tell that whoever I just bumped into isn't someone to be messed with. I'm guessing the people around us are expecting him to lash out at me by the way they stare at him, waiting for a reaction. "I'm sorry," I apologize again when I can't offer him any napkins. My lunch lay abandoned on the floor, as does his unopened soda bottle. I immediately pick it up and hand it to him. He stares at my outstretched palm before grabbing the soda. His green eyes stare at me as I try to explain the situation. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just going to go change my schedule. I didn't mean to embarrass you. If it's any comfort, I'm pretty embarrassed, too," I continue to rant as my cheeks become more and more red. When you're the only one talking, it gets pretty awkward. Especially when you have over two hundred listening ears. My words are practically echoing off the walls. I may not know this guy, but I know enough to say that he's intimidating. His broad shoulders basically overshadow my entire existence. His tapering eyes and messy hair are the only things I cam focus on. My stomach is clenched and knotted as I stare up at his tall figure. I wouldn't be surprised if he stepped on me. In fact, I kind of wish he would. He watches me with furrowed eyebrows. His eyes fall to his shirt and his jaw clenches slightly. "Watch where you're going," he hisses. It's barely audible but the words rattle around my head, bouncing from wall to wall. He's capable of making the four words sound like a threat. Without another word, he turns on his heel and exits the cafeteria. The breath I was holding is immediately released and I feel my stomach untie rapidly. I slowly made my way towards the lunch table I was avoiding once the janitors shoo me away from the dropped lunch. I let out a slow. shaky breath as I sit down. The stress of that situation has wrecked my nerves. "You know who that was?" Chelsea asks with a smirk. "Maddox Finnegan- the guy you're going to be asking to homecoming," Tracy grins proudly. Can this day get any worse? - + Because I know his name and his face, Maddox Finnegan has popped up in two of my last few classes. During roll call, his name is called and he answers with a raise of his hand. I feel my stomach twisted into yet another knot when the last period bell rings and I have to leave the safety of the classroom to wait at Vivica's car. "You have to ask him now," Vivica informs me once I reach her vehicle. His car is parked directly beside Vivica's and he's leaning against it, as if waiting for someone. Chelsea and Tracy look at me expectantly. "Can't I wait until he forgets about how I bumped into him today?" I ask in a quiet voice as I rub my inner elbow nervously. "You either ask him now or you don't get a ride home," Vivica explains louder than I would've liked. Had I made a friend with a car, this wouldn't have been a problem. The drive here was about twenty five minutes, so walking would probably be triple the time. And since I don't know the way, it'd probably take me hours to find my way back to Aunt Genevieve's. I stare at them in annoyance. I'd say something but they'd think I was refusing to do it. And I wouldn't get a ride either way. I sigh. "He's going to say no and embarrass me...again," I concur as I glance over at him. "You won't know until you try," Chelsea grins encouragingly. I could tell that that is what they wanted: my embarrassment. I scoff and look at the car beside ours. He's leaning on the driver's side door, talking to a group of people excitedly. A guy says something to him and he laughs, which is something I didn't think he was capable of doing. At least he's in a better mood. I glance at my cousin, who looks unrelenting. "Can't I wait until the crowd disperses?" "You have five minutes," she announces as she glances at her phone. Luckily for me, the group slowly thins out and instead of it being five people, it's only two: Maddox and a guy with blonde hair. I slowly walk around his car and approach him nervously. My palms begin to sweat so I rub them against my skirt. His friend spots me first and nudges Maddox in the side. He glances up when his friend elbows him and turns his gaze on me. He takes on a threatening stance as if I'm going to throw all the condiments in the world at him. His shirt is changed into a white button up, another uniform option. I wonder what he did with the black one that I wrecked. His friend mutters something to him before walking away and I let out a sigh of relief. The less people who see my embarrassment, the better. "Hey, I just wanted to apologize about earlier," I nod awkwardly as I stare at the floor. I feel his eyes on me and I nervously brush my hair from my face. I wait for a response but come up short so I look up, notice that he's staring at me, and immediately look down again. "I also have a question." I glance up at him and find him scrutinizing me. I look the other way and try to count the amount of seconds until my rejection. "You know what homecoming is, right?" He didn't respond so I sigh. "This is like talking to a brick wall," I mutter as I kick at the gravel beneath my feet. "Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to go to homecoming with me," I inquire as I glance behind him. I watch as my cousin and her two friends hold their hands over their mouths as they snicker and laugh. He peeks over his shoulder before looking back at me. My face is bright red and I can feel my palms growing sweatier and sweatier with each shaky breath I take. I really shouldn't stress it this much. I know he's going to say no. I don't want him to say yes. "Okay," he says in his semi-familiar deep voice. "Well, I tried," I mutter before I suddenly go rigid. "Wait, what did you say?" "I said okay," he repeats as if annoyed. "Okay as in...?" I ask as I quirk my eyebrows upward in slight shock. "Okay as in I'll go with you," he responds. I peek over his shoulder and see Vivica's eyes widen as Chelsea and Tracy turn to look at her. I simply nod a few times before walking around the car and back to Vivica, who looks angry. "Did he say yes?" she inquires even though she already knows the answer. I slowly nod, still shocked myself that he agreed. Her eyes narrow at the ground as her mouth purse together. "Uh, we can't give you a ride home. We have cheer-leading practice at a nearby school," Chelsea states and I stare at her, slightly stunned. Like clowns, they all pile into the car and speed out of the lot. I swear under my breath as I take out my phone and dial my aunt's number. There's no response so I groan. I have no money for a cab, and even if I did, I don't even know the address. It's difficult to remember. My old one was simple: 12 Taverness Drive. This one has a list of numbers and I'm not sure if it's a lane or a drive or what. Rubbing my eyes, I sigh and prepare to go into the office to ask where my aunt even lives. "They left you?" a low voice from behind me asks. I turn around and nod, feeling embarrassed. "Yeah, they did," I mutter. He looks hesitant as he bites his mouth. "Do you need a ride?" he asks, appearing unsure as to whether or not he even feels up to giving me a ride. I'm surprised at the fact that he asked me so I slowly nod. "Yeah." "Come on," he grunts as he kicks off his car and opens the door for himself. I shuffle over to the side and tug open the door, in fear that he'll leave me if I tell him that I have to run inside for a minute to get my new homes' address. As he starts the car, I grow curious. "Aren't you waiting for someone?" I wonder as I look back at the large building we were just released from. "Nope," he concludes as he backs out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. "We have to stop and get gas." "Okay," I nod at him. As we reach the gas station, he gets out of the car. Before he closes the door, he leans forward and looks at me. "Don't touch anything." "No promises," I murmur as I look around at the clean interior. He harshly stares at me and I roll my eyes. "I'm joking!" Maybe I shouldn't do that with him. When he gets back into the car after filling up the tank, he turns to look at me. "What's your address?" he asks as he prepares to leave the lot. "I don't know," I answer after a moment of trying to pull the location from thin air. He stares at me and blinks a few times. I look back at him and awkwardly meet his eyes. He has very pretty eyes. The thought causes my face to burn so I avert my gaze and peer out the window. Hopefully he sums it up to me being embarrassed at his staring. He probably thinks I like him. I mean, I'd understand if he does. I asked him to homecoming and I barely know him. And whenever I look at him, I blush like an idiot. "What do you mean you don't know?" he asks with slightly narrowed eyes as he drags me back to reality. "I just came to live with my aunt on Friday," I clarify with a meek shrug. "I didn't have time to memorize the address." "Do you even know the street name?" he questions in bewilderment. "No. I just know that it is twenty five minutes from school...and the house is blue...and the number of the house has a five in it," I inform him as I purse my mouth in thought. He stares at me before letting out an exasperated sigh. I try to think of something he may know. "Do you know where Vivica lives?" "No, why would I?" he retorts with a slight scowl. I have a feeling that he doesn't like Vivica very much. "Don't get an attitude with me! This is a particularly small town; I just assumed that people know people!" I respond as he parks the car outside of the gas station. "I think I might be able to retrace the drive from the school." He sighs yet again and makes his way back to the school. I can tell he's thinking that I'm more trouble than I'm worth. I can't help but think that, too. - + Thirty minutes later and we're still driving around. "Left?" he wonders as he stops at another similar looking street. "Yeah," I respond and he turns. "Wait, no! I meant right!" He groans noisily and glares at me. I notice how his knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. "I'm wasting gas on you," he repeats once again. "I'll pay for it," I tell him for the third time. I stare at my cell phone and see a response from my aunt. It's the address. I quickly read it out to him and he slowly turns to look at me. "We're a half hour away from there. You took us in the opposite direction of your house," he snaps with an irritated look on his face. "I've been here for, like, three days, okay? I don't have the entire town memorized," I retort defensively. He glares at me and I sigh quietly. "How much do you need for the gas?" He doesn't respond and we sit in silence for a good block of time. As we get closer to the house, I turn to look at him. "You know, we don't have to go to homecoming together. I-I, uh, I was dared to go. I didn't expect you to say yes, and the girls didn't either. You probably have other stuff to do." He remains silent. If every moment spent with him will be this tense, then I don't want to spend four straight hours with him. I wait for a response but he doesn't say anything. Instead, he keeps his eyes narrowed as he reads street signs. A few moments later, he pulls onto a recognizable street and slows down. "Which house?" he questions me. I nod to the blue one at the corner, which is covered in wind chimes that are twinkling here and there. He pulls up to a stop in front of it. The white porch swing is empty, as is the driveway. Hopefully, my aunt's car is parked in the back. I don't like being home alone, especially in a house that isn't mine. "I'll give you the gas money tomorrow. I'm not completely unpacked and my piggy bank is still in a box somewhere. Will ten dollars cover it?" I wonder as I look to him curiously. Again, he withholds his words so I awkwardly unbuckle my seatbelt. "Well, thanks," I mutter as I close the car door. "Tell Vivian to lose my number," Maddox calls once I reach the sidewalk. I turn to him and nod. Vivica, I want to correct him but decide against it. As I continue up the steps to the house, he yells out to me again. "What?" I respond as I turn around with a confused look on my face. He couldn't have said all this when I was still in the car within hearing range? "Wear red," he repeats. I furrow my eyebrows as he drives off down the street. Homecoming, I remember. So he actually wants to go. Chapter 2: Take My Money I spend an hour looking through my boxes to try and find my green piggy bank. I come upon it and find that it's barely full. I wish my mother would've told me that she and my father would decide to send me off to my aunts so I could've saved up from my old job. Instead, the week before I left, I spent almost two hundred dollars on worthless items like party food and plastic bowls. I could've saved that until I managed to get a job here. I barely have fifty bucks to my name, and I already owe someone ten dollars. I sigh, take out a ten, and put it on my bedside table as I climb into bed. I wake up the next morning with a jolt. My aunt pushes open my door and tosses a bag onto my bed. "Morning, sunshine!" she greets me in her slightly nasally voice. I look at the bag, which landed on my legs, and groan. I sit up, open the sack, and allow my shoulders to slump. School uniforms. I guess my parents bought these for me. Yesterday, I used one of Vivica's old ones from her freshman year. It was one of the few that wasn't hemmed and stitched so the skirt rose a few inches, and the shirt actually still had buttons. After I shower and get ready, I meet my aunt and cousin downstairs. My aunt's making breakfast, which smells delicious. With half lidded eyes and damp hair, I sit down at the table. My cousin picks at a piece of toast, looking primped and preened. She has an annoyed look on her face, which appeared the moment I plopped down in the seat beside her. "Why'd you need to know the address yesterday?" my aunt wonders when her eyes settle on me. "I needed a ride home but I didn't know where I lived," I confess as I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth. "You needed a ride?" my aunt repeats as she looks between the two of us at the table. Yawning and rubbing my eyes, I blink a few times before nodding. "Why didn't Vivica give you a ride?" Aunt Genevieve questions more to her daughter than me. "She had cheer-leading practice at a different school," I admit flatly, not bothering to hide my annoyance. "We're going to talk later," my aunt glares at my cousin. "How'd you get home?" "I got a ride from Maddox," I explain, getting cut off in the middle of my sentence by a yawn, which causes my eyes to close slightly. Speaking of Maddox, I pat my pocket to make sure I have the money for gas. Vivica's eyes widen as a look of anger overtakes her face. Why's she so angry? She's the one that left me stranded in the school parking lot without a ride. "You're going to give her a ride to and from school from now on," my aunt demands. I don't bother speaking. Instead, I just eat a forkful of eggs and remain silent. When Vivica announces that we're leaving, I grab a napkin and load it up with the rest of my bacon. I make a move to wash my dish but my aunt stops me and smiles, nodding towards the door. I force a smile back and grab my bag from the floor, shoveling bacon into my mouth as I go. The car ride is tense and everything Vivica does seems angry. She punches the radio buttons until a song she approves of comes on; she brakes rather hard; she turns fiercely; and she doesn't warn me whenever she's taking a sharp turn. I'm guessing that's how she takes out her anger: by beating up the passenger. After arriving at school, I make a beeline for the bathroom. As I'm walking towards the toilets., which I found yesterday after a ten minute search, I spot a familiar guy standing at a locker. He carelessly shoves books into his bag. I slowly approached him, unsure if it was a good time. "Maddox," I state as I dip my hand into my pocket. He turns around with that natural sour look on his face- the narrowed eyes and the set frown. "What?" His pretty green eyes are conical and his mouth is set in a line. I feel my face heat up when I realize that I was just staring into his eyes for a good minute. "I-I have the money," I concur with him as I hold out the cash. "Is that bacon?" he asks with furrowed brows. His eyes are locked on the napkin in my other hand. "Yeah, want some?" I offer as I hold it out as well. He shakes his head and I shrug, retracting my bacon-filled hand. "And I don't want the money," he tells me bluntly as he slams his locker. "But I searched through my boxes for an hour for this," I grumble unhappily. I know what you're thinking- take the money and walk away. If he doesn't want it, be grateful. You're ten dollars richer (or maybe just not ten dollars short). But I can't help but feel like I owe him. He gave me a ride home even though I couldn't even provide him with an address until forty five minutes into town exploring. "That's not my problem," he informs me. Without a second glance at me, he walks away with his hands tucked in his pockets. I glare at his back, fold up the money, and shove it into the slits of his locker. I, Olivia Ortega, refuse to owe anyone anything. I walk towards the bathroom and get in, listening as the bell rings, signifying that the day has just begun. - + It takes me a minute to realize that I have five of eight classes with Maddox. And it wasn't until American Literature, which is directly after lunch, that he comes up to me and places the money on my desk angrily. I shove it back towards him, lifting it when he doesn't accept it. "Take it," I demand. "No," he states as he stands on the other side of my table, refusing to take the money. I keep my hand extended towards him. "Take it," I repeat as I examine his face; his defined jaw is clenched and his long eyelashes create shadows on his cheeks in the bright lighting of the classroom. The green of his eyes is flashing as he blinks impatiently, trying to shrug off my attempts to give him the money. His pale, pink mouth is set in a line as he represses the urge to, most likely, swear at me and call me names. I pushed the money towards him again, cutting off his path to the back of the class. "Maddox, have a seat," Mr. Harvey announces with a fleck of impatience in his tone. Maddox looks around and grits his teeth when he notices that the seat beside me is the only available chair. Everyone's eyes are on us as they wait to see what he'll do. He grumpily drops in the only open seat, giving me a glare when he realizes that this is the third time I've embarrassed him in a two day span. He shoves my hand away and I tuck the money into my pocket with a plan of slipping it into his bag once the bell rings. Maddox ignores me the entire class period. Even when I attempted to ask him for help on a question, he disregards me. The teacher didn't explain it to me well enough and I didn't want to ask again, so I just shut up and pretended I knew what I was doing. In my old school, we didn't get this far into this lesson. In fact, we barely got into the lesson before this one. Was my old school behind or is this school ahead? Maddox also ignores me when I ask him what time class ends. And I know he heard me. I mean, he made eye contact with me for a few seconds before he looked away. And the moment the bell rang, he jumped from his seat and dove out of the classroom, not bothering to retrieve the homework on the way out. - + In my Pre-Calculus class, which I have absolutely no friends in, I'm surprised when two girls take the seats beside me. I just assume that there's a shortage of seats until they introduce themselves to me. I recognize them; they'e two of the people who followed Maddox out of the cafeteria when I attacked him with my lunch. "I'm Cassidy," the redhead introduces herself. She has several piercings on her ears, mouth piercing, and an eyebrow piercing. I smile at her and nod, still confused as to why she's talking to me. "I'm Winona," the dark skinned one greets me. She doesn't have any piercings but her makeup is dark and smokey, like something I've seen in a tutor. I smile at her as well, nodding my head again. "You must be Olivia." My eyes flicker from Cassidy to Winona in slight confusion. "Uh, yeah, how'd you know?" I ask. "Maddox," they reply in unison. "We're his friends." "Oh," I mutter. "Well, yeah, I'm Olivia." The girls start a conversation with me and I politely engage, though still confused as to why Maddox told them about me. I don't bother to ask. - + "You're going to homecoming with a boy?" my aunt gasps the second I get in the house with my bag over my shoulder. I nod slowly. "Yeah, how'd you know?" I wonder as I slow to a stop in front of her. "Viv was talking about it on the phone when she came in," my aunt smiles. "Do you have a dress?" I shake my head. "No," I answer in short. I don't even have money for one, if we're being honest. I really didn't think this through. "Well, homecoming's this Friday! We need to go get you a dress," my aunt explains happily. "Now?" I mutter when I see her grabbing her car keys. "Yeah, or they'll all be sold out, if they aren't already!" she smiles at me. I can tell how excited she is to finally have a teenage girl to spend time with. "Let me just run upstairs and get my money," I conclude when I realize that I may not be able to pay Maddox back after all. "No need, I'll pay for it," she concurs with a dismissive hand wave. I return the grin this time. "Thanks, Aunt Gen." "No problem," she announces as she leads the way outside. I leave my bag on the living room floor as I shut the door behind us. As we drive to the mall, I think about what Maddox said. Should I wear red? Or should I wear what I want to wear? After much contemplation, I decide that I'll wear what I want to wear, unless I find a cute, red dress. Then, I guess I'll get that. Upon our arrival, I notice a few things. There are a lot of teenagers and a lot of stores. This mall's definitely larger than the one from my old town, almost twice the size. "Let's look around," my aunt suggests as she looks at the different stores. I follow behind her and peer around at the variety of shops that dot the aisle. "They have dresses." We cut across the large hall and get in the aforementioned store, where we're hit with a blast of heat. I immediately notice a red dress on a rack so I approach it and examine it. "So you want a red dress?" "What?" I wonder as I tear my eyes from the dress. "Your eyes darted to that red dress faster than my eyes dart to purses," she comments with a small chuckle. I look down, feeling slightly embarrassed. At least she doesn't know my reasoning for wanting red. "It's cute, don't you think?" I ask her as I wave the garment around. "Yeah, do they have your size?" she wonders. I survey the rack more and frown, giving a slow shake of my head. "We'll keep looking, then." There isn't much to look at in that store so we keep it moving. Two stores later, we finally find a dress that's cute and has my size. After purchasing it (I thanked my aunt repeatedly for doing so), we exit the store. "Do you have any shoes?" my aunt wonders as her eyes fall on yet another girly store. I stare at the floor and shake my head again. "Nope." "No problem, we'll get you some!" she insists with wild eyes. "Vivica hates going out with me. It's good to have someone around that I can shop with." "Thanks, Aunt Gen," I say for what seems to be the fifth time today. "Anytime," my aunt responds. "When was the last time you talked to your mom?" "Not too long ago, three days I think," I estimate. To be honest, it wasn't much of a talk. She just called to make sure I knew the rules, which she shouted at me repeatedly on the way here. 'Don't do anything disrespectful. Follow all of your aunts' rules. If she has a curfew different than ours, follow it without complaint. Don't get into trouble with the police. No parties, at all. Don't hit Vivica. I mean it, Liv; don't hit her...' My mom's voice drones on in my head. "She told you the rules again, right?" my aunt grins at me. I chuckle and nod. "Yeah, she did," I admit. "Don't worry about it. You're doing just fine here." I give my aunt a half smile. Maybe this year won't be so bad. At least my aunt won't be. Chapter 3: The Happier Brother I'm sitting in last period with a tapping foot. I look at the clock and sigh. When does the bell ring again? I just want to get out of school, but I don't exactly want to go back to my aunt's house. Vivica's probably going to have Chelsea and Tracy over so they can get ready together. Then, at eight o'clock, we'll just come back to school for homecoming. I'm not exactly excited for it. I barely know Maddox, and he doesn't seem very fond of me. However, he hasn't cancelled on me and I have a feeling he would've by now if he felt like he wasn't going to show up. Unless he wanted to wait until the last minute so I'd feel like absolute and utter crap. Then again, if he said he didn't want to go, I wouldn't be that sad. I guess I just don't want to spend four hours with him, especially because I'm depending on Vivica for a ride home, and if she sees that I'm having a bad time, she'll refuse to take me home until the school staff kick us out at eleven o'clock. She's still mad at me for many things, most of which I'm unsure about. I stopped caring after Wednesday. As long as she brings me to school and back, I'm fine. Even if Maddox ditches me, I still have to go. My aunt bought me a dress and shoes and as far as she's concerned, I really like this boy. I don't know how she came to that conclusion seeing as I've been here for barely a week but I don't ask questions. Simply put, it'd be embarrassing if he cancels on me. It's worse because I won't know until I get to homecoming. He could've already decided he's not going to go without telling me and just stand me up. Now that I think about it, I bet he won't show up. We haven't talked since Tuesday, and he didn't seem very happy with me then, probably because I led him on an unintentional wild goose chase to my house on Monday. Or maybe it was the fact that I bumped into him. Once the bell rings, I immediately begin packing up my stuff. Everyone else does the same. Mrs. Reanna is the type of teacher to yell at you if you make a move to put something back in your bag before the bell rings, even if it's an eraser. I jolt in surprise when a voice speaks in the quiet classroom. "Are we still on for tonight?" Maddox wonders in a strained voice. I turn around as I swing my bag over my shoulder. Cassidy and Winona stand behind him with large grins directed at me. "Yeah," I confirm as I give both girls a confused look. He groans and Winona elbows him in the side. Through gritted teeth, he questions: "Do you need a ride?" I think about it. Would I rather sit through a tense, awkward ride with Maddox or a loud, obnoxious ride with my cousin and her friends, where they'd make fun of me and I'd have to refrain from ripping the door off its hinges and slapping them all across their faces with it? It isn't much of a competition, to be honest. "Yeah," I agree since he's offering. "What's the address again?" he questions and I have a feeling Cassidy's pinching his side by the way he's cringing away from her. "I'll write it down," I tell him as I reach for my bag. "Or she'll just text it to you," Winona suggests quietly. "Or you can text it to me," he blurts and I feel myself cringing for him. The two girls are using him like a puppet, poking and pinching him to get him to speak. "I don't have your number," I state the obvious. He digs into his pocket and retrieves his phone. I guess Winona pinched him a little too hard because he tosses it at me as he lets out a girlish squeal. I shuffle to catch it, almost dropping it several times. He has a terrified look on his face as he watches me fight gravity to grab the phone. I notice that his phone doesn't have a lock on it. Huh, unusual. "Don't touch anything," he tells me in his normal, threatening voice. I glance at him and watch as his back arches in reaction to Cassidy pinching him. "Or touch whatever you want." His voice raises with each word he says. I take my time adding a contact, glancing up at him judgmentally every so often to give off the idea that I'm reading his messages. At one point, I did look up at him with genuine judgment when I saw that he had several different female contacts; he had four Emma's and five Jessica's, if that gives you an idea of the lengthy list he had. When I finish, I hand him back his phone and he snatches it, which earns a pinch from Winona. "I'll just text you when I'm going to leave my house. Reply with the address then," he informs me me. Winona and Cassidy drop their hands and he sighs in relief, hunching over. "I'll see you later," I grunt as he leaves the classroom. He doesn't bother to acknowledge my farewell as he shuffles out. Cassidy, Winona, and I exit the classroom and begin walking in the same direction. "What was that about?" "He didn't want to talk to you about your plans," Winona explains with a shrug. "So we had to use some force to get it out of him." "Oh," I mutter in a slightly disappointed manner. If he didn't want to go with me, why didn't he just cancel? I'd rather go alone than go with someone who'll just constantly complain about my presence, which is something I think Maddox would do. When I reach my cousins car, I find her waiting impatiently. She mumbles something about not waiting on me again as I buckle my seatbelt and I huff noisily in response. Halfway home, I turn to look at her. "I don't need a ride to homecoming." "Why? Did he cancel on you?" she smirks in a somewhat satisfied manner. I roll my eyes at her. "No, he's bringing me." She doesn't bother to respond and only continues driving in her angry, dangerous manner. - + I get ready much quicker than the other girls, who arrive at the house at four thirty. I started getting ready at six and was completely prepared at 6:30. Given, I showered at 3:30 and curled my hair at four o'clock, but I wasn't in my dress. It wasn't until six that I got into my outfit, put on perfume, and then packed a small purse. I didn't put on makeup, mainly because I never learned how to. I only have an older brother and a younger brother, and my mother never wore makeup. There was no one to teach me. And I don't want to try and end up looking silly because I followed a professional YouTuber's tutorial. I planned on watching a movie until 7:30 or so, which is when I thought Maddox would come and get me, but he came a lot earlier than I expected. At 6:40, I get a text from him telling me that he's leaving his house so I respond with the address and put on a few finishing touches. I grab my jacket, put it on, and walk downstairs with my purse over my shoulder. "You look so pretty!" Aunt Gen announces when I come into her view. I smile at her, wondering if she only believes that because she helped picked it out. "Thank you," I comment awkwardly. "Red is your color," she winks at me. I hear a car honking outside and assume it's Maddox. I starts towards the door and she quirks a brow. "That for you?" she wonders as she glances out the front window. "Yeah, I've got to go," I tell her. I know Maddox will get frustrated and drive off if I'm not outside in a minute or so. "You're to be home by twelve!" she calls to me as I approach the front door. My eyes widen as the number leaves her mouth. My mother and father would've given me until nine on a good day. Of course, I was never home by nine, but I usually gave them the satisfaction of letting them set a time without me arguing in response. I nod at my aunt before exiting the house. As I walk towards Maddox's car, I'm surprised to find him in an actual tuxedo. I don't know what I was expecting him to wear, but it wasn't anything remotely formal. It was probably all black and leather because he seems to be fond of that. From what I've seen so far, his uniform is always accessorized with the two. When I get into the car and admire his outfit, he glares at me. "Don't say anything." "A tuxedo?" I ask with a small smirk on my face. I can't help but to tease. He glowers at me before he pulls off down the road. "Do you live far from here?" "I'm not telling you where I live," he scoffs as if the idea of saying his address is preposterous. "I probably won't know where it is, anyway. I was just assuming because it took you barely ten minutes to get here," I mutter as I stare out the window. We're silent as I continue to think. We never really introduced each other. I know his name thanks to Vivica and he knows my name... "Wait, do you even know my name?" He looks at me with narrowed brows. "Yes, I'm not brainless." "Oh, really, what is it then?" I inquire. He has to know, right? I mean, his friends knew. "Olive," he announces confidently. "It's Olivia," I correct him. At least he was close... "I know. But Olive is better. It's a food," he mutters as he takes a left turn. Unlike Vivica, he turns normally, not with too much force or the goal of giving me a minor concussion. "I don't like that nickname," I reply in hopes that he'll revert to using my real, birth name. "It's not a nickname," he concurs with a slight head shake. "You have to like the person to give them a nickname." We fall into silence again as he continues to drive towards the school. "Why'd you say yes?" I wonder aloud. "You talk so much," he sighs. "Answer the question and I won't talk again until we get to school," I propose as I pull at the end of my dress to yank it down. I forgot how uncomfortable these things are. Instead of responding, he reaches for the radio. When I go to speak over it, he looks straight at, turns up the music, and rudely silences me. I dont bother to speak to him again.		Top Romance Novels		2	https://www.facebook.com/61573021893545/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731930	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 9:43 PM	1740993494	1749868999		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/476331111_1153615769823320_7095630869214672477_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cMQchzgPxO8Q7kNvgEjdlS4&_nc_oc=Adj4keZ6s4IfyPb2pfGgW5XgbdQHNKkbncC-TZu7_tTXToj8VM1EqUPDIvZa8zNv6b1luhT2-iLdlBS7dMu5MDgp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AC9hB8h2qkoVSouoR_Md_kF&oh=00_AYC6aLNVt7XPMR3M5FXDKUseVPHaMdkCdSGDGaZ8nJDbvg&oe=67CB55FC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731698	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 1:39 AM	1740993490	1746081551		2747																										www.short-tv.net	Download			VIDEO	Latest drama, download and watch more		https://www.short-tv.net/landing/fbindex.html?id=9777&style_id=1&album_id=20970&sex=woman&utm_source=FB&media_app_id=633768522315678&episode_id=77083&align=1&af_adset={{adset.name}}&af_ad={{ad.name}}&af_ad_id={{ad.id}}&af_adset_id={{adset.id}}&af_c_id={{campaign.id}}&auto_seconds=5			4.5482009439203E+14	HoneyReels-bd1	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482071153_1704791437100483_7358531060490852844_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bXBbf3nwdH8Q7kNvgF-AxMW&_nc_oc=AdhJIFooawVW9Yxzv1VQoVi1i2tRvmIzB45LVG_ryr34loKG8FS6KhjR31f3IBSGr6Q1CP-cLVq3yn6Lq6UAP6xh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYDHWhn7oyjmPI5SuxH_YluBBayLxD-adyhAIG-IzBtMkA&oe=67CB49A0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Anthony Campbell colluded with his wife's bestie to murder his wife, Kate Nelson. On the day of the funeral, however, "Kate" returned, catching everyone off guard. Stella Scobell disguised herself as her sister Kate to investigate the cause of Kate's death and seek revenge for Kate. Just as the revenge was about to succeed, Kate, who had lost her memory, returned and sided with Anthony... #Suspense #Revenge #Psychology		HoneyReels-bd1		46	https://www.facebook.com/61571102464326/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2731669	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:49 AM	1740993489	1746949797		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482008572_3963345903911728_4507310851719518038_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Nuj4oemkAwQ7kNvgE52uDA&_nc_oc=AdicYO8X9Af29p9mAZOhlhBlNOYrpkuvGUYLTpUcV_vmWwi9ZtFSNfTX3OmaG88f1WTo8xzOX7EvhCQ9Pvavd4eN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYAzgZFGIGlymTIVquCJmTf-KcsGfel4jzFBH03n8FnxBA&oe=67CB3792	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731613	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 8:38 PM	1740993488	1749865087		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3839258601512E+14	DramaBox- drama movies3	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481480901_1316823446133807_6348046858416416077_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pSjZxZpRMIwQ7kNvgHTm5if&_nc_oc=AdhMzlJkGoJ9t4J2zPCJvp8AHG6T3wKzQeMIhIbsYDIcUw0CDF8Gx0M2NnSR1rxV2ARG0ABLGLf5JwpM-8tUN81N&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYDIfXXPZK1FsobRZ56DyN4OuSLM1ha-aUE3axq9fmnZFQ&oe=67CB4A80	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies3		15344	https://www.facebook.com/61550858717796/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731729	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 9:00 PM	1740993490	1749866427		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481121119_500112126477872_4948236694715003283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UVGsQm1BQtIQ7kNvgEXCHe0&_nc_oc=Adg2N9vy9JziL6t9InHYFzd6Nsp_iGuBTeyHvVTN0En7kJqtIKSQVzbfTXIHWejvoa7csJZ47qYLhxb2PhRsn-tl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYCMedu_iFoiq5uvelVqgtsD_ubf0iE8D2uQxDZOLN2KIw&oe=67CB4581	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731463	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 5:54 PM	1740993484	1747004072		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481062807_1639827526627957_5636705273650985471_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kMVmSROVetEQ7kNvgHY86FA&_nc_oc=AdiIy0F7xmxGLMg11idTxkSrWQu9A51eStJY2G6evMTkxbsg7jMoGQl4lsx6EuyT2k465s2T1JhTtZ-BcTGpDkm3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYDPcspqp_Xk6_QRKQhAoECkQpeB2T6jO54jVmMDnkfqIA&oe=67CB4D63	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732310	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 9:19 PM	1740993502	1749867543		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481766644_1738660290193058_6484159096263527352_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lmUBHLHKRD4Q7kNvgFqzwpA&_nc_oc=AdhFXme-6sj_Sbl22gXHzU5k8qKIOuPelu_07I_Txoax1wy024hpew1y_ADyoRFR3yEIrOgYThrSXsetx1kXFKyY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYCyJvaGpfRynlMPvW6iO2gpogdsBIMSp2KGquviUANHzQ&oe=67CB4B0E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731617	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 9:19 PM	1740993488	1749867588		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👇Download Short TV to watch more series🎬		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=live.shorttv.apps			1.3306624989421E+14	Love Channel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481159811_678891144470431_3365229397243557668_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WzONcOFagtkQ7kNvgHzHNtz&_nc_oc=Adh2cDdd9wz278bh_YYRocfMDzY-47ENeOv7cpgcvXeaSoneLVIc_KtP4f3HqQ6XOqadtStOQY0IlGFPj4LMDC3Y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYBVk5iTIDp1R8VglpGLesDZ0h_fqAH_AcsMVx_BwxSLxQ&oe=67CB304F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		💟🎬When Destiny Brings Them Together, Will They Survive?🥰❣️		Love Channel		82109	https://www.facebook.com/61551990337197/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732274	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 4:51 AM	1740993501	1746957065		2747																										tastenovel.readlife.mobi	Learn more			VIDEO	Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him.		https://tastenovel.readlife.mobi/47nm10c00.html			1.6666484402238E+15	IReader 中文	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480979002_1680668032537364_5540594775246755799_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=djNPWPPbwBoQ7kNvgGVJO6A&_nc_oc=AdhQ_9hwv2MiVHugEM_I1H5LMK75LrsTHSluk8070wNLqYpIk3XRHVFhrCB09m9AR1V8ObGp9jIdx8d08OZhKVfq&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYAIGKHKwaEt96q6nRYoISQvlqdHZd1kof6i5VymUVXi9A&oe=67CB40A8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥🔞My best friend was inside me. On my boyfriend's bed. Hot and throbbing, I became a mess under him. "I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, getting ready to give my boyfriend my cherry. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I looked up into his eyes. I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" He froze above me at that moment and his groggy voice spoke above me, "Avery?" It wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's voice, but my best friend... Alpha Xade's! Avery's pov Today is my boyfriend Kyan's birthday and I wanted to surprise him by seducing him and giving him my virginity. I had planned it for months and I think I am finally ready to give it to him, however, things get a bit complicated when it's not him that ends up inside me. ___ "I think it's too much," I grumble under my breath, tugging at the very short skirt I had borrowed from my friend Melissa. It's a floral figure hugging skirt that showed off my body in a very sexual way. I topped it off with a simple white cropped top and wore the silver necklace Kyan gifted me a few months ago for my twentieth birthday. Under it is a red lace thong and bra, Kyan's favorite color on me. He said it makes me look incredibly sexy and I want to look incredibly sexy tonight for him. She rolled her eyes where she was on the bed and let out a puff of air. "I think you look sexy and Kyan will not be able to take his eyes off you." I chewed on my lips. She was probably right. Melissa had a knack for being right anyway. I pushed up my glasses on my nose and twisted around to get a better look. I was skinny but had a good size bottom and chest area. "You look good V, now go surprise your man!" Melissa hopped off the bed and strut over to me and gave me a reassuring squeeze on my shoulder. She did something funny with her lips and then motioned for me to sit on the chair. " Let me curl your hair better. Maybe add a little makeup too," her voice beamed with excitement to doll me up further. I sat in the chair for longer than was necessary getting my hair curled to perfection by my bubbly friend who had mentioned she was tired earlier but the exhaustion seem to have magically disappeared. Afterward, Melissa did my makeup and I clenched my eyes shut as she sprayed the setting spray on my face. I scrunched up my nose and she giggled. " Come on its not that bad," she snorted. " Oh, it is," I say, holding in my sneeze. I hated the setting spray, it would always raise up my sinuses. Melissa set it down on the table and lifted her hand up in surrender. " Okay I am done, I no longer have the weapon," she shifted to the side so I could see my reflection in the mirror. I am stunned. Just a little bit of makeup and it has enhanced my beauty by a lot. I looked bewitching with the way she added the eyeliner. Wow. It brought out my grey eyes, I can even see the small flecks of green that have always been hard to notice. "You look incredible and he'll be so happy to see you," Melissa whispered, giving me a smile while she fixed up my curls. I nod, sighing. "I hope so. It's a surprise." I played with the ends of the skirt nervously. "He will love it," Melissa grinned and pushed my shoulder lightly. "Now hurry before the dorm monitor catches you sneaking out." I nod, standing up and feeling the weight of nerves settle in my stomach. Seeing my anxiety Melissa squeezed my hand reassuringly. She knew what my plan was and even though she didn't quite like Kyan, she told me it was my decision to give him something so precious to me. After a small prep talk from her, I walked out of the dorm, throwing the side bag strap over my shoulder and smiled at one of the girls who walked by. It's late already, around ten thirty p.m. Kyan should already be in his bed. He had already texted me earlier to say he was off to sleep. It took me a good ten minutes to get to Kyan's dorm which he shared with Xade Archer, the notorious bad boy on the campus and my best friend who I had known for years. We had grown up together and practically knew everything about each other. Joined at the hip my mom would joke about. My family always moved when I was younger and we finally settled in a small town where his dad was a mayor. I can remember the day we met, we were around ten, and me being shy hid behind the teacher who was introducing me to the class. Xade was the first to become my friend after an annoying girl pushed out her foot to trip me. I had stumbled and fell right on top of him and let's just say we had been the closest ever since. As I near the door, a bundle of nerves shook me. Xade was not home, Kyan had mentioned he went off to a party and wouldn't be back yet. Knowing Xade, he'd not be back until morning so this was a good opportunity for Kyan and I to do the deed while he was away. I'd definitely not want my best friend to hear me have my first time with his dorm mate. That would not only be embarrassing but I didn't think I would be able to face him again. The pressure in my lower stomach was weighing down heavily and my pulse quickened. I hauled in air through my nose and pushed it out lightly through my mouth, trying to relax my growing anxiety. My body had become clammy and I was sure if I didn't get in that room soon, I'd collapse. The corridor was empty, thank God for that. I didn't want any guy to see me sneak in the room even though my boyfriend is in there. I flushed. They'd definitely know what we will be doing in there. I took out the spare keys Xade had given me months ago. I wanted to surprise Kyan and this came in handy. My clammy and trembling hands struggle to push the key in the hole and after a few struggles I finally did it without waking up anyone. The room is completely pitched black and I contemplate if to put the lights on or not. But decided I was nervous enough as it was and needed it to be dark to even grow some confidence. It shouldn't be bad right? Just stick it in and be done with it? I closed the door behind me lightly, seeing the shape of his figure in his bed, covered by his sheets. He's facing away, sleeping on his side. My heart raced. This was it. I would finally give him my virginity. I walked to the bed, taking my time so I'd not trip. I'll just be quick. With anxiety building in my body, I reach his bed and leaned forward, whispering. " Kyan," He let out a sound, kind of like a tired groan but I wasn't sure. The sound of my heart was ramming too loudly in my ears for me to focus on his response. He shifted, turning on his back and I quickly straddle him, my breathing coming in short pants as I got ready to give my boyfriend my virginity. # 2 Avery's pov Just get it over with Avery. I chanted in my head as I leaned forward and kissed Kyan's cheek. I frowned when I felt a slight bit of stubble. He had shaved yesterday, was it possible for his stubble to grow back so quickly? The thoughts flew out quickly when his hands clamped on my hips to keep me on his lap. His hands made me squirm. His touch was lighting up a fire in me. It burned. I lifted slightly and pushed down the sheets off him and straddle him once more, moaning when I felt him nudge at my opening. He makes a soft grunt sound again under me and I took this as an invitation to kiss down his chin while I begin to dry hump him, rolling my hips in a way I thought would be seductive. It worked because he was so hard as a rock under me, I could feel him pressing against me. Wow. He felt huge! Was he even going to fit? I nibbled on his chin, making him buck up his hip and of course for his hardness to rub against me. Since I had a short skirt on it was hunched around my waist and my thin lace panties was a sad excuse of a barrier. He felt so hot. And I was so wet. " I'm finally going to give you what you've been begging for," I gasp, rolling my hips over him to feel him. He felt so good. It's kind of strange actually, I have straddle him before but it has never urged me to feel so incredible or want more. In fact before, I would squirm and make an excuse for us to not go further. But tonight, something has changed. There's a burning desire, a need, a claim to have him inside me. I rocked my hips and his hands on my waist tighten as he pumped up, groaning sexily. He sounded more hoarse too. Sexy. So sexy. I am so wet I can barely think. All nervousness flew out the window when I felt just how excited he was under me. I press my palm to his bare chest, surprised by how tone it felt. It's never felt this tone before but perhaps it feels a bit different now that he is naked. I push out my tongue, running it along his cheek, an odd need to taste him overcoming me. He grunted, hips flexing up, his hardness smacking against me. His fingers dig into my hips and then they sweep over to my bottom, gripping them. " Oh," I moaned, rolling my hips more and surely wetting his boxers with my juices. But I didn't care. I was finally going to do this. My nips harden when one of his hand grip my breast and squeeze. His touch burned through me and sent shivers of pleasure to rake through my body. I needed him. Gosh I needed him. I panted, letting out little sounds of pleasure as he rocked his hips up to meet my little dance. I could no longer wait. There's something building, something I want right now. I am desperate as I push off him a little and free him of his boxers. I can't really see him but I feel him when I wrap my fingers around his girth. Oh hell. He really is huge. I gulped. Even though there's a little fear that he won't fit, my walls cry, begging for him to come right in. I push out a nervous breath, straddle him and with one hand push my panties aside and guided his tip at my entrance. He feels so hot in my hands and I can feel him pulse. It's now or never. Holding my breath, I pressed down, taking the head of him into my very tight opening. My jaw slackened and his loud moan made me shiver. Oh God. This feels so good even though it stings. He goes back to gripping my hips, hard and pushed up slightly as I descend on him, pulling him further into me. "Ohh," I whimpered when the head of his member brushed against my hymen, the barrier. I can hear his strangled breathing in the room, feel his pulsing length inside me, snuggled by my walls that clench around him. I am soaking him and he seems to enjoy this. Come on Avery, just do it. Finally do it. And I did, with one push, I let him break through me and bit my tongue by the tight full feeling. My thighs shook and tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Hell, he was too big. I stilled with him inside me, trying to adjust to the mere size of him. It feels like he had grown bigger if it was possible and I feared he'd stretch me out so much I'd need stitches after this. He rubbed my hips, still pulsing inside me. It was as if he was trying to soothe me and it was working. My aching muscles begin to relax around him and the pain dulled until I no longer felt it. However, I can feel him. Hot and throbbing. Every inch of him was inside me, every single inch. My walls squeezed around him and he groaned, nails digging back into my flesh. The sounds coming out of his mouth were sexy and in response I became more wet and the fire that pricked me earlier began to bloom once more until I needed him so badly. I rest my palm on his chest, feeling his heartbeat race as quickly as mine as I lifted slightly, my walls gripping around him in reluctance to let him out. But if I don't move and ride him I would die. I stopped until the tip alone was inside me and slide back down on his length. He shuddered, pulsing and gripped my waist as I began to move. Our rough breathing filled the room as I bounced on his hardness. He filled me over and over and I swore he was growing. He pulsed, gasping as I rocked my hips. This wasn't so bad after all. In fact, it was so so good. Why hadn't I done this with him sooner? I can see myself doing this with him more than once tonight. Hopefully, before Xade gets home. My skin was prickled with beads of sweat, on my forehead and even on my upper lip. His body seemed to be growing warmer too and the sounds that left his throat grew a bit more.....rouged. I gasped, pressing my palms on his hard chest and riding him. I could feel every inch of him, feel the tip of him nudge against my womb. He feels so good I whimper. " Ohh hmm," I moaned, my clit throbbing and my walls sucking him in. With a hiss, Kyan flipped us over as if he was fed up with my slow movements and was desperate. A scream tore through my throat when he angled my hips up and began to pound into me, feeding me his huge girth. It's a good thing I was so wet. The sounds of our intimate parts meeting was even louder than our loud breathing and cries of pleasure. He hovered above me, so powerful and intimidating. He pressed against me, one of his fists beside my head while the other hand gripping my top and tore it off, revealing my red lace bra. He couldn't see it in the dark but he felt it. He cupped my breast, his thumb brushing against the lace material where my nips had beaded hard for him. I let out a strangled moan, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I am aware that I am growing even more wet and I am so aware of how hard he's pounding into me right now. I don't tell him it's too much because I took all of it. I took every inch he gave me and I loved it. I loved it so much I moaned out ' yes please give me more.' And he did, angling his hips in a way that made the tip brush a very sensitive part inside me that made me let out a scream of pleasure, my eyes rolling back. I am very sure I may have woken up most of the guys rooms that are closer. I almost felt bad. Almost. But I was so full of pleasure and so full of him that I couldn't think about anyone else or how loud I truly was. My walls gripped him as he thrust in and out and he grunted above me, dropping his head on my chest and pushing down my bra to reveal my bareness. I cried when his lips wrapped around my bud, nipping and sucking. I shivered. His hair was brushing against my neck, soft and smelled strangely of apple. Since when does Kyan use the apple shampoo I bought for both him and Xade? The thought flew out the window when his teeth wrapped around my pebble and he bit hard. My hips bucked up at the assault and I scratched down his back, surely marking him with my nails. " Oh," I whimpered, becoming a mess under him. " Oh please," I moaned, pushing my hips up so I could take every inch he was giving to me. He groaned and let out a sound that didn't quite sound human, however, I was too lost to focus on it or question what I had heard. Tears were flowing down but it was not because of pain but because of mind-blowing pleasure. The tip of him was rubbing against that sweet delicate spot again and was creating a pressure feeling that was building up like a tight fist in my lower stomach. Every nerve in my body seems to be on fire and it feels like I am on the verge of exploding. I am panting, trying to catch my breath as his rhythm changes into a more desperate urge. He was pounding me into the bed. The headboard knocking on the wall with loud aggressive pounds. If he keeps up this pace the bed might break. His thrust became more urgent, more hungry and I cried out with every thrust of his hips angling forward. I cling to him, my thighs shaking as I cry in desperation to free the tightness that had built in my lower stomach. He let my bud go with a pop and brought his mouth so close to mine that I was sure he would kiss me. But he didn't, only kept his lips so close that it felt like he was teasing me, which made me feel more desperate. His breath mingled with mine, every pant, sigh and moan drawing me closer to releasing that tightness I felt. His breathing was ragged and fast, hitting my lips as if taunting me to kiss him, to feel his lips on mine. But I always hated Kyan's kisses and didn't want it to ruin the pleasure he thrust into me at the moment, so I don't give in to my craving and bit my lips to try to suppress the sounds of pleasure coming out of my mouth. Kyan growled above me. I noted how the sounds that left his throat almost reminded me of an animal. It sounded so possessive, so primal, so beastly. And as I looked up into his eyes, though I knew for sure I would not be able to see them, I am stunned to somehow see a glow of red. Red? That's odd. Just as I saw the strange color, I clench my eyes tightly as a wave of pleasure rock through me, making me shudder as I scream out. " Kyan!" Kyan froze above me, yet his tip shoot his warm cum in me while I squirm and shiver as I come undone under him. I am still riding the after shocks of my pleasure when Kyan's groggy voice spoke above me. Only that it wasn't my boyfriend Kyan's, but my best friend Xade's. "Avery?" # 3 Avery's pov My heart seized. Completely stopped working. His voice had entirely penetrated and punctured the haze of pleasure we had just been in. Xade. This voice above me belonged to my best friend Xade. The cock inside me belonged to my best friend Xade. The dick I had just been riding... Xade.... Xade! I try to wrap my head around the situation I had just put us in as realization dawned on me. Something heavy dropped in my stomach. Was it dread? Fear? Regret? I wasn't sure. I couldn't think properly with his cock still throbbing inside me. And it didn't help that it was growing back hard and twitching. With trembling hands I push them on his sweaty chest, the same chest I had press against while I rode him. Oh God. My face heated up, the sinking feeling in my stomach growing. " Oh my God," I whispered, tears of shame pricking the corners of my eyes. This cannot be happening right now. I did not just sleep with my best friend. I did not just give him my virginity. I did not just get rammed by Xade freaking Archer. What have I done? What have we done? There was no going back now after this. The line is already blurred. Oh my God. My face was so hot I knew I was so beet red. I am thankful he cannot see me right now. " V?" he whispered softly and his cock twitched. Oh God this is embarrassing. " I'm sorry," I found my voice and clenched my eyes tightly as it came out filled with shame and regret. " I thought Kyan was home and you were out. I- I choked up, my chest heaving as I fought the bubble of urge to cry. How humiliating. If I had just put on the lights I would have noticed it wasn't Kyan and this wouldn't have happened. I just gave Xade my virginity. I tremble under him and Xade flipped us over, holding and hugging me as I cried with silent embarrassed sobs. He was still very much inside me and still hard. His hands lift in my hair and he soothed. " Shhh it's okay V," But it was not. We just slept together, I mistook him for my boyfriend who was his roommate and good friend and gave him my virginity. And not only that but he and Mel had a thing going on too. The line was more than blurred right now it was trashed. I screwed up. " I didn't- I hiccuped, sobbing and burying my face in my hands. I would do anything for the ground to open and swallow me whole to avoid this embarrassing situation. " I am so s-orry Xa-de," I croaked out, I didn't want to lose him. I definitely didn't want this to come between us. How would I face both Melissa and Kyan too? Oh God. When I felt another twitch inside me, I grew hot and awkwardly pull off him. I can't believe he was hugging me while still being inside me. Perhaps he hadn't noticed. I winced. Now that the haze of desire had evaporated, the pain of my muscles being pounded and used was very present. It feels like I had been rammed by a truck. Xade was definitely packing like Mel had boasted about. I winced. Mel... How was I so stupid to not have noticed that this had been my best friend all along. The strawberry scent, only Xade used the shampoo I bought them. Kyan had said it smelt too fruity and I knew Xade hated it but he was always one to make me feel happy. He was always more toned than the guys here too, and his hands were massive. I should have known they were not Kyan's clumsy hands. Xade had mapped my body with his fingers too skillfully for it to have been Kyan's. And those groans that had fluttered beside my ear, the grunts of pleasure- My face is hot and I scramble to right my panties, fixing my skirt as I rolled off the bed. Xade reaches out for me, his long fingers wrapping around my wrist to stop me. I sucked in a breath at the burning feeling his hands left on my skin. I had always felt it, but tonight it was way hotter. Almost like a scorching tingling fire. " Wait," his hoarse voice says through the awkward air. My heart rams against my chest. Oh God. Don't say anything to embarrass me please. I already didn't know what more I could tell him. Tears burned my vision. I really had royally screwed up. " We don't have to say anything," his voice is a whisper in the dark, caressing me. I hated that it did. " What?" I breathed out, my heart kicking up a notch. " We don't have to let anyone know," his thumb brush against my wrist as if trying to soothe me yet coax me to come back to bed. I didn't know which one. " This can stay between us." My heart leaped in my throat. Is he saying that we should pretend this never happened? That I never gave him my virginity? Would it save our friendship and our relationships? " Like it never happened?" I whispered into the night, searching for his eyes but it was so dark I couldn't see anything. It takes a good while for him to answer and when he did it comes out hoarse and thick. " Yes," he replied. " Like it never happened. You thought I was Kyan and I thought you were Melissa." His words feel like a punch in the gut even though they were nothing but the truth. However, he was giving us a way out of this shameful incident and how could I not take it? We could go back to how things were right? I will be able to face him tomorrow? I swallowed and nod. " Like it never happened." I agreed and pulled my arm free of his grip and fixed my clothes that he had ruffled. My top was yanked down but thankfully he had not torn it during his ravaging. As I left the room and closed the door behind me, the ache between my legs mocked me with a memory that I will never forget. # 4 Avery's pov Forget Avery. Forget about his breath on your lips, his cock inside you. Forget about it. Everything will go back to normal tomorrow. I chanted in my head as I made my way down the corridor. I am thankful it is still empty and no one is around to witness my walk of shame. As I made my way down the stairs I winced, the throbbing pain between my legs pushing back the thoughts of what had just happened. I still can't believe I had mistaken Xade for Kyan, straddled him and didn't give him a chance to protest as I practically seduced him. Why hadn't he said a thing? Why didn't he say Melissa's name? If he had I would have known who I was sleeping with. Sure he had been sleeping and probably tired when I approached him and straddled him but afterward he was clearly wide awake and practically pounded into me. I shook my head, blinking back the guilty wave of tears. I sniffled and continued my way down and froze when I saw the familiar chocolate color hair. Kyan. My heart thrummed. How could I face him after what I had just done? Panic settled in my stomach and I am begging God for a way out of here without him seeing me. But it would be impossible. There are only stairs up ahead and nowhere else to hide. And Kyan is already making his way up with a bag of chips in his hand and a soda. Had he gone out to buy those stuff while I had been with Xade? A swam of guilt and shame made me stumble and I nearly fall, grasping for the rail before I hurt myself. The little rush of surprised air from my lips pulled his attention, something I didn't want at the moment. Great. Just flipping great. He looks surprised to see me, as he should since I hadn't told him I'd be coming over. Giving him my virginity was supposed to be a surprise, a birthday gift for him being patient...well kind of. I was no longer a virgin.... Kyan had been my boyfriend for two years now. We met at this very college and he and Xade became friends and roommates. That's how we got introduced and a few months later I finally accepted his offer to a date. We never really had that spark but seeing Xade having that crazy college experience I decided to give it a shot too. Kyan was great, not a very good kisser but he was sweet and would buy me cotton candy. He wasn't Xade drop dead gorgeous but he was fairly attractive with chocolate hair, brown eyes and a sharp jawline. He was attractive enough to garner girls attention when we were out, not as much as Xade capture but one or two girls would certainly look. " Babe?" His thick brows are furrowed and a look of confusion cast through his eyes as he bounds up the stairs a bit more hastily. I nervously smiled, awkwardly stopping so he'd not notice how I walked. If he saw, he'd definitely know that I had been fucked. " Yeah." I croaked and inwardly closed my eyes in frustration. This night couldn't have gotten any worse. He smiled when he reaches me, towering over me even though he was a step lower than me. " I wasn't expecting to see you here," he leaned forward for a kiss and my belly did that odd somersault thing that nearly poked my urge to vomit. Before his lips could touch mine I turn my head so his lips could touch my cheek instead. I feel so guilty it's eating me up inside. He pulled away, his brows furrowing more. " What's wrong?" he demanded. I smiled awkwardly. " Oh nothing," I lied. " I just had some onion chips earlier and I know you hate the stench of onion." Was I being too obvious something happened? I didn't know how to act. This was the first time I have screwed up so badly and didn't know what to do. I was always the 'good girl' like they had labeled me for years. A good girl doesn't sleep with her best friend whose girlfriend was my friend. A good girl doesn't mistake her best friend for her boyfriend. If I was being obvious, Kyan didn't show it and smiled, nodding. " So why are you here?" his eyes twinkled. " At this hour and wearing this sexy skirt?" his eyes drop to my skirt. I flushed, not because his words invoked the fire Xade had earlier but did the opposite. I shifted on my feet. " I- Come on Avery think. " I was coming to surprise you but I saw Xade in there. Didn't you say he was out?" I pointed my thumb at the back of me. Kyan shrugged, shifting the bag in his hand. "Yeah he came back earlier. Something about the full moon and a headache." Right. Xade said he hated full moons because somehow he always feels like shit whenever it's up in the sky. For years when a full moon shows up, Xade would be locked in his room. But when we were back in the small town, he and his family would not have anyone come to their estate during that time. Some people thought they were odd, but I didn't. Concerned curled in my belly. Was he okay? Is that why he had been trying to sleep it off and I came up and practically screwed him? " Now I am intrigued," Kyan pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes flashing with a mixture of desire and want. His tongue licked across his lower lip and his eyes lowered to my cleavage. The little that showed. " What kind of surprise?" I smiled nervously. I had surely trapped myself. " Just a sweet surprise. Nothing special. But I must go now, Mel texted me that the dorm monitor is hot tonight and I don't want to get caught." " Oh," Kyan murmured in disappointment but still nod. " I'll see you tomorrow then?" he goes in for kiss but I sidestep him and wave. "Yeah," I strut down the stairs without looking back. " I'll see you tomorrow." If I can still walk that is. It was taking everything in me to make my walk look natural, but the ache between my legs was refusing for me to look natural right now. # 5 Avery's pov When I got back to the dorm, I was breathing hastily. Melissa is already asleep but when she hears me stumble a bit on one of her heels, she turns around and puts on the lamp. I winced, lifting my hand over my face to block the assault. " Well well well," she drawled out playfully. I wished she hadn't because now I felt even more guilty. " What do we have here? Hmm? A girl who had just gotten shagged?" " Christ Mel," I turned beet red under her scrutiny and looked away, pushing off the shoes I had on. " I did not get shagged." Oh but I did. Hard and fast. By....Xade. Melissa lets out a rush of disappointed air. " Really? But your hair looks a mess and you're spotting a red flush. Even your skin looks sweaty. I know when someone just got fucked V." I gulped, my hand instinctively going to my hair to fix whatever was a mess. " It's very windy outside." I half lied, going to the closet so I can change. I am tempted to go to have a shower, but I feel so tired I just want to sleep. " Uh huh," Melissa didn't believe me and I don't blame her. I didn't sound convincing at all. Guilt bit through me and I am thankful she doesn't question me further. After I put on the huge shirt that covered my small figure to my knees, I made my way to my bed and sank in the sheets. Mel puts off the lights and I turn on my back, my palm lying flat on my stomach as I stared at the dark ceiling. I didn't like this feeling of guilt but I didn't like the feeling of craving for more either. I sighed, forcing my eyes closed and wishing I could just forget the night but knew that it was impossible. __ The next morning I am grateful I do not have classes until later today. I can sleep in for a little longer and try to heal my aches naturally with more sleep. I hadn't caught a wink of sleep last night and had tossed and turned. Even Mel got annoyed and sent her pillow flying straight to my face. I felt guilty and tried to stay still but after ten minutes I was back to being plagued by the scenes with Xade and the guilt that was clearly eating me alive. " You lucky bitch," Mel say as she leaned forward to put on her canvas shoes. She lift her head, her braids falling over her face. " No morning classes. What I would do to be you right now." Trust me Mel, you'd not want to be right now. But instead of speaking my thoughts, I only sent her a smile and tugged the covers to my chin. " I get to sleep in longer, enjoy your lecture." I closed my eyes, forcing out a fake yawn. " Hey, we're still up for afternoon brunch with the guys right?" My eyes flew right open and my heart skipped. I had completely forgotten that we had set up a kind of double date with the guys at the diner where I worked at. I swallowed. Xade will be there...and Kyan and Melissa. Fuck my life. " Uh, can we reschedule?" My voice comes out soft and I cursed inwardly when she shot me a concerned stare. " Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting strange since last night?" she questioned, straightening her spine. I shook my head. " I am fine, just may have caught a little draft because it was cold out last night." I sniffled, trying to make my lies seem more believable. She nod, not quite believing me, and sighed. " But you know how busy Xade gets around this time," she pouted. " He barely makes time for me." I wanted to point out to her that Xade and her were not really exclusive but I knew it would hurt her because she was deeply in love with him. Another reason why I am the worst friend in history. Xade didn't do relationships, however, he and Mel have been on and off more than he has been with any other girl before. Things may be getting serious and I hope I haven't ruined it. " Well then, you two go on that date alone. I'm not risking getting more sick." I can't help but feel a jolt of jealousy even though I knew I shouldn't. She frowned, looking at me with a bit of surprise. " Okay then miss moody," She rolled her eyes and picked up her books to leave. " I'll see you later," she said over her shoulder and I replied back. But when she opens the door, we are both surprise to see a pair of light blue eyes shooting right through my soul instantly. " Xade?" I said breathily, sitting up in surprise and wincing at the movement. His eyes flicker to my thighs and I instantly flushed as I am now reminded again of what happened. So much for pretending nothing happened between us. I suck at this. Melissa let out a happy squeal, flying herself on him, wrapping her slim arms around his neck and planting her lips on his. She moans so loud anyone who was close by I was sure cringed. However, I don't cringe, only sink my teeth in my bottom lip as my heart feels like it has just been ripped out of my chest.		IReader 中文		92084	https://www.facebook.com/ireader.cn/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731730	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 10:05 PM	1740993490	1749870340		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Proceed to the Next Video!		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482055441_4671269976477248_1125251164166405143_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gOwsYFqf198Q7kNvgFsTbqx&_nc_oc=AdiBPju3e8JtM7n_D31_OzyNtsxOyOY3M8phZHhhfk7GzsSSvkkI5shsJwo6HpPwBOyhAJTpOvgUq1OHhZ7g1197&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AcHC3zgLlpazMVCF8wyJlsH&oh=00_AYCovt0VzSRUddD27_3SjJI7ZzLhFuntNt11MyO1tH6-dg&oe=67CB2B4A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336050	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731406	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 3:26 AM	1740993483	1746951997		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0F939D158623B87BBF91B39FA1D6FCE48E			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481078011_1203815221306510_5343552457360546227_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wAgA7l9GvkgQ7kNvgFJfsee&_nc_oc=AdjiDybG5h-dY0oocA1jB0CnlmOxOG3SIS73X8D8geH1trASz1N_fdBt0swkMJt-KMqJwcM139JVRecQNw-8P8Yg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYBFZXu5ZYCLazI2OFCM9KgwXc8uVrGL9vLnP4Fxh7Syug&oe=67CB5CEB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731887	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 5:56 AM	1740993493	1746960998		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481195893_696891599360686_6489504594434375992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4rFif5toj1oQ7kNvgGn6tD3&_nc_oc=Adjx-uB7N6OyBJLO90FvciesJ_PZFC0b3pN8hroyr4bnNG0GM6sx4VI_jPHZZtOql-fwtJ8vxXxKsZvfhFRUldI4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYAFzHTBW38xcxZ5J-KWrl92xKFz100W3H01cQSdylZRTg&oe=67CB5B0C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732040	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:52 AM	1740993497	1746967928		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F980326378BF9D97FE5B32069C1EA9DDCE78E			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481478613_891321416300462_181969393927472212_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iMq9PUEnU2sQ7kNvgGX_Inv&_nc_oc=AdiTG3QkWJb-rrICL80ljG6VCKwOQ89cicQPG43bUcRIO9kyjO38z5plpPPQAKw4FsUbCCkvz3tQgPOrKS1U6Hy1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYBlZhfrfNsBwN90_B94OdjVTpIICwjccIXwJG4ZqhWMzA&oe=67CB3393	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731840	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 10:15 PM	1740993493	1749870914		2747																										romancebookbundles.com	Shop now			IMAGE	❤️ 10 Books For 50% Off!	"FANTASTIC Series!!!" ~Reviewer	https://romancebookbundles.com/products/the-ultimate-steamy-playboy-bundle-by-logan-chance			5.4181237568449E+14	Logan Chance	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481089957_28538438535803870_1688633502575527814_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XysGKEyMzEUQ7kNvgHjGGqZ&_nc_oc=Adgt_a2V0Oo8y7yqcRFysMWZ70WZyfdUM4evmXlyYrxmlS_SJaoY1lMWzYv-tkkUsOy6XCf617HIjaMvt1Sc0uu8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=APxEBcwAGlMIlNTHuqjN47z&oh=00_AYArzFR8o1Uk-tvB0SaZLV91Z7r5IeuRdQTNI_l2SJXNoQ&oe=67CB4161	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		“Have you seen my fiancé?” “Last I saw, he was getting on the elevators.” Great. I fish my phone out of my clutch just as it pings. Pollux: I’m in your office, time to pay up. My heart lurches. I slip away from the party, weave through the lingering crowd, and step onto the elevator. The ride seems endless before the doors finally open onto my floor. The corridor is dark, only faint light from the city filtering through the windows. I nudge my office door open, breath held. “Pollux?” I whisper. I don’t even have time to flip the light switch before a large hand covers my mouth and another snakes around my waist, jerking me back against a very solid body. I let out a muffled scream. “I thought you’d never show up,” Pollux husks close to my ear. His warm breath tickles my skin, and my heart thunders. He keeps me pinned there, pressed against him. “Couldn’t wait any longer,” he murmurs, trailing a finger down my arm. My pulse roars in my ears. “Pollux, we can’t. Not here.” He slides his hand down, gathers the silky folds of my dress, and hikes it up around my hips. “You owe me.” My breath catches. I’m wet already. He eases his palm over the front of my panties, and I involuntarily arch my back, pushing against him. “See?” he mutters. “You want this as badly as I do.” His hand slips under the lace, stroking me until I can’t speak. “I need a taste,” he growls against my neck. Dropping to his knees, he drags my underwear over my thighs and tosses them aside. My mind screams that someone could walk in at any second, but the surge of excitement overwhelms me. “Pollux—” I manage, but then his mouth is on me. Heat explodes low in my belly, spiraling up my spine. His tongue licks a scorching path through my center, and my hips jerk. I can barely stay upright. The only things keeping me from melting to the floor are his strong grip and my death-clutch on the edge of my desk. “Oh, God,” I moan as he buries his face between my legs. Every nerve in my body fires at once. I grip his hair, tugging, guiding his mouth harder against me. The pleasure builds until I’m shaking. “I’m close,” I whisper in a ragged breath. “Don’t stop.” He doesn’t. He feasts on me, tongue and lips driving me over the edge. My release rips a cry from my throat, echoing against the office walls. It’s so risky, so wrong, yet it feels so good. When I finally come down, he rises to his feet, wiping the corner of his mouth with a smug grin. “Best payoff I’ve ever had,” he says, voice rough with lust. The rational part of me screams this is insane—anyone could have heard—but my body is still tingling, my heartbeat thudding. And the way Pollux is staring at me, I know he’s not finished. “We should get back down there,” I say, trying to sound steady. He presses me against the desk. “Later,” he whispers, sliding his hand over my stomach. “First, I’m collecting the rest of what you owe.” - - Find out why readers are saying, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “OMG! I never saw that coming. It may be a first for me, because I usually can always figure out the climax before it happens, but there was never any hint at this.” ~Katie R. The Ultimate Steamy Playboy Bundle Get 10 Books For 50% Off! Support Romance Authors Directly & #BuyDirect #RomanceBookBundles 🥰		Logan Chance		9	https://www.facebook.com/61572429489914/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731897	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 3:13 AM	1740993494	1746087220		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481909637_941971561257700_7326395873105585761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ls-V2szjwD0Q7kNvgGY7vQw&_nc_oc=Adg6w3NZiHydfwgyyV4a1bDsclU_ctLWVo-nc3jLmNUEtHcSE0lM4--Nq5Oat4HrVMSH4MqskVnGyU-tgnDBXuho&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDbDJL3AJTJR2lnRgzeslPCXgoPA6tTA2_NKpjkfq3wTQ&oe=67CB38CF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731682	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 6:14 AM	1740993489	1746962065		2747																										amazon.com/$4.99	Shop now			IMAGE	“Adorable and awkward and funny and filthy!"	Kindle | Apple | BN | Kobo | Google Play	https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ5MLKV9?maas=maas_adg_14E4EA788916B85946038A0B8C8204E3_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas			3.9322342721628E+14	Author Lizzie C Koz	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480994603_622904693941039_5951509369941548385_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jv17iT8O94UQ7kNvgHDQcPK&_nc_oc=AdgWEVu6K-WxDaErtN9W5X6eCSan8sWVVc48U9CIb0KfaTrc-MeJ27EeQhE0dbo8_mbvTG1HO0k9qmCdOyBWLJs2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYAL5UptL6t9Op9I8vRwih4uMhRa5v16rP7zCUjjb-Xn9A&oe=67CB31D3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The honorable Fitzwilliam Jennings, younger brother to the Earl of Bentley and next in line for the earldom, nearly always had his nose buried in a book. Which was why, when he entered his drawing room at his family’s country estate, he failed to notice something was different in his domain. Breasts. Naked breasts. Glorious breasts. Dear Lord. This was the correct drawing room, was it not? The one he had repurposed as his study for working on his Italian translations? Yes, there was his desk. And there was his settee. With breasts on it. His eyes stretched wide, so wide the room grew blurry. He attempted to rub his vision clear and was immediately met with glass and metal. Right. Spectacles—which he wore for reading, not distance. He hastily removed them. But the breasts were still there. “I’ve been waiting for you,” the breasts said in a low, husky voice. Wait. No. That couldn’t be correct. Those words, and now a curse, came from the woman the breasts belonged to. Oh my God, there is a bare-bosomed woman in your study, Fitz. And what did a man do when presented with a bare bosom? He fled, of course. Fitz dropped his spectacles and book, slapped a hand over his eyes, and spun toward the exit of his study. “My a-apologies, my lady. Miss. Ma’am.” He rushed to the door, or at least what he was fairly certain was the— Crack! Bloody fuck. His skull rang and throbbed like a gong. He sucked in a sharp breath and clutched his aching head, stumbling backwards. Holy buggering ballocks, that bloody hurt. His heel connected with something and— Fitz’s back collided with the floor. Oomph. The air shot from his lungs, and his eyes slammed shut as pain ricocheted through his head. Now the back of his skull screamed in pain, too. Along with his back. And his arse. “Oh my God!” a feminine voice squealed. “Are you hurt?” The rustle of skirts interrupted the incessant throbbing in his head, and then small hands prodded his chest, then patted his cheeks. “My lord? Are you well? Can you speak?” He hesitantly opened his eyes. And the answer was, in fact, no. No, he wasn’t well. And no, he couldn’t speak. Because breasts. There were so many breasts. Well. Not so many. There were only two, he supposed. But dear God. Breasts. In his face. Breasts. Did he say breasts? He went to speak, but all he managed was a groan. The woman’s slim blonde eyebrows pinched, her gaze darting over him as though looking for the source of his pain. Too bad the pain was everywhere. From his pride to his posterior. Heat seared his cheeks, and his all-too-familiar embarrassment caught up with him. As did his nervous sweating. Someone shouldn’t be able to sweat this much when it was as frigid as tits outside. Urghh. Why did you think of tits, Fitz? It wasn’t enough he had just run into a pair of breasts—which was nerve-inducing all in itself—but the bosom belonged to the loveliest flaxen-haired, rosy-cheeked woman he’d ever seen. Fitz was tongue-tied and tactless by default, but when he was around a beautiful woman? Let’s just say there was a reason he rarely attended balls or soirées or supper parties or places where there were people. Hence why he was about to hide in his study while a ball went on at his country estate. “My lord?” the woman said again, concern coating her words. And then she slapped him. His gaze shot to hers, and his mouth popped open. “Did you just slap me?” Well, would you look at that, Fitzy. You found some words! A breath exploded from her, and her body slumped. Egads, now her breasts dangled tantalizingly close to his face. He gulped. Audibly. Which only had him inhaling her cinnamon-sweet scent. Sodding hell. She would smell like the very essence of Christmas. His gaze darted between her all-too pouty pink lips and her all-too perky pink nipples. Did she taste like Christmas, too… “Oh, thank goodness,” she was saying, blessedly interrupting that train of thought. “I feared you had done irreparable damage or some such when you seemed unable to speak.” He frowned. Was the woman unaware that her bosom was exposed? She was leaning over him, chattering away about—well, he wasn’t actually certain. The combination of diddies in his face and knocks to the dome had made him deaf and dumb. “Would you cover yourself?” he finally managed tersely. Before he did something outrageous. Like lick a stranger’s nipples. She tensed, and he winced. That had come out a touch boorish. But damnation, the woman seemed to have no compunction about waggling her wobblers in his face. “I beg your pardon, my lord,” she said stiffly. “How terribly thoughtless of me to come rushing to your aid and not cover myself beforehand. I hope I have not offended your delicate sensibilities.” Sweat trickled down the nape of his neck. He was botching this. If that was even possible. If something started out botched, was there even room for further botching? Fitz botched it even further. “Urrrgung…” Lovely, Fitz. What in the bloody hell was that supposed to be? She cocked her head. “Pardon?” She blinked down at him through thick, blonde lashes. Blonde lashes that framed vibrant green irises currently clouded in confusion. “Maybe I should ring for help.” She drew out the words. “I fear you did damage your brain.” No, he really hadn’t. This was actually quite normal for Fitz. Unfortunately. Read on at Amazon by clicking "Shop Now". Also available at Apple, Kobo (and Koboplus!), B&N, and Google Play: https://books2read.com/compromisedforChristmas/ What readers are saying: “Forced marriage + bumbling nerdy man + lonely beauty = The most heartwarming historical tale that leaves you swooning and sighing.” “there is some REALLY HOT $*X! Because when Fitz gets out of his head…he’s quite the freaky aficionado!” “A whirlwind rollercoaster romance with a definite Vasti-vibe” “This book quite literally left me panting for more and following the author for the next instalment of the series.” “this book…SO deliciously naughty and nice!” "This is a five-star for me. You absolutely must devour it until you understand why a mongoose is desirable and why you should always give the awkward need a chance. Bonus points for some of the hottest Italian dirty talk around.” "I’ve never read anything like this and I’m loving it so much! It is so adorable and awkward and funny and filthy!"		Author Lizzie C Koz		318	https://www.facebook.com/authorlizzieckoz/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731531	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 10:26 PM	1740993486	1749871574		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261049_648868864350128_282792417913863635_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Z5RcAapE5w0Q7kNvgG9fRbQ&_nc_oc=AdgS6kabDvoF4c4OYJBHh2yVq7MFqf52eFHn8YhaqSUEmEuyIj-QSaiphmVnimnQLVGHb2Z9N-0-FrkDvLnBX7ay&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYBL7LMmM10Xa1CbNckoLsF31FVlDCmck1tmLdOc0Gkhsw&oe=67CB33CB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731868	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 3:39 AM	1740993493	1749112776		2747																										www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com	Learn more			VIDEO	28-Years Of Natural Plant-Based Healing In ONE Book		https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/			1.0580188520011E+14	BookofRemedies	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481249505_3001218420054068_8902626025204000688_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_mUKgHygmPYQ7kNvgHuddFA&_nc_oc=AdjX9BclTUChMBg89Vq-fiqUIRacKn8tdlehHSpnmPTrj_FT9hR-c3Lj72I_gyQfbCv5Du02u3JFlikx35KQ6UpO&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6QdLN4hRDo7s99SKQm9Ysc&oh=00_AYBTk5qLsC_i7ij9z39w5auDHEt6FDpz57zS9KNsKNO14Q&oe=67CB3BE0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Throwing natural healing plants in the garbage by mistake? Yup, many of the weeds that most people pull out and toss away have scientifically proven benefits! For the last 28-years, I’ve made it my mission to unearth the BEST plants with natural healing properties... Today I’m revealing everything I’ve discovered, including: 👉The ‘forgotten’ plants & herbs found in most gardens that support healing 👉800+ powerful plants & natural remedies 👉2-4 pictures per plant for easy identification 👉Expert advice on growing, collecting, and preparing plants to harness their healing power 📗Grab a copy of The Lost Book Of Herbs Today📗 👉 https://www.book-of-herbal-remedies.com/presentation/ 👈		BookofRemedies		298221	https://www.facebook.com/BookOfRemedie/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731582	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 10:39 PM	1740993487	1749872366		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👉👉Watch all episodes		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059511.html?language=en&timestamp=1740930109169&channelCode=DLLPF1059511&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482301910_616410064590864_8273050344848200901_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Ogp5qIlcYEQ7kNvgF9w1Y0&_nc_oc=AdiuJaDi61nLQGUur2z_qvJcJxU7Q6p5aLxCa6XVIhvLQL1GHKooZYq_pU7s4clshJ1jaIqzlSTByQQ6jpiLPzoF&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYBxFPN7Sfmh2x42o7HzZWK1reWF6qEBFubfvwuJRiuy_w&oe=67CB5C3C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282185	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731460	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 6:37 AM	1740993484	1746963444		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481248582_2724639734404442_1267612789911067265_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=unH7JM3LpgEQ7kNvgFZ9ams&_nc_oc=Adh8S9Hm7VHG7qdb9D4kiY5dFtP-pBFEuGezPpqNVo0BDwn25J28lqnsnkcbkPMn4CXyqIKM-5ciew8QHmyiMSpL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYDbKT3HSvalsvEeXQF1m5ttahcaDQxOfRa0B3_cxoIlGw&oe=67CB3BB4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731711	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 10:57 PM	1740993490	1749873436		2747																											Get offer			VIDEO	$37 Complete Chiropractic Health Screening Including X-Rays					274578585615	Pinnacle Wellness	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481306233_919451200074939_8402585731249355737_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zQocaJqePFMQ7kNvgEmqQi7&_nc_oc=AdghJnn2QJKDMIyKL7J3u7EU0L1758sVKv7xYjSHTRM-yo_Ej6RmyLEGiZEGFPgwPHLQn_mxNhvtwow9d7UCrh0L&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYApevn5KF-QAwT9L843cbNs1U7aCiiL2XIfOMiMZvWnVQ&oe=67CB3A9A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Do you have back pain or bad posture? 🌟 Try Pinnacle Wellness for help. Our Corrective Care is different because it focuses on long-term health for your spine. Right now, new clients can get a Complete Chiropractic Health Screening for only $37, and this includes x-rays. 👨‍⚕️ Meet Dr. Ho and Dr. Q from Pinnacle Wellness. They find and fix problems with your spine instead of just hiding pain. Corrective Care fixes the main issues so you can move better and be healthier overall. One happy client said, "Without the treatment I received here, I would've needed surgery." We have over 340 five-star reviews, showing that people trust us and our community-focused care. This special deal includes a detailed consultation, a look at your health history, a full exam with x-rays, and a personal care plan just for you. Don't wait! Click 'GET OFFER', fill out the form, then book an appointment and start feeling better today. 🌿 Disclaimer(s): VALID FOR NEW PATIENTS ONLY. Offer excludes Medicare / Medicaid / Tricare / government insurance participants & all accident / workers comp / cases involving litigation by law.		Pinnacle Wellness		2476	https://www.facebook.com/Pinnwell/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2732319	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:25 AM	1740993502	1749882330		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue watching more series 👉👉👉	You fired me, don't come crying when you go under.	https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481162632_950628357217618_4613081062403172091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8tHIBa48KcYQ7kNvgGhaZaz&_nc_oc=AdjrSFEGHvkBCArRSF31Unap09JF34qGAbX8IIpnFStgyBD8mBLNXQH9fH86jvafmGwlUyoPBQ_hmEEzr1TtufxN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYBdI2X4O7Y_w0NEAwXi1AxGaxbVeiM6HX2pN15nmSKVbg&oe=67CB4E0F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late... 👇Download ReelShort TV to watch more series🥰		Reelshort-Video stories		618240	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731788	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:27 AM	1740993491	1746966455		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Click here to watch the full episode		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481701498_654051543812744_4874045009450153291_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XEuLfAcdlsAQ7kNvgEq_dZB&_nc_oc=AdgLa7ZLuRzNC7BZGW8BKqmXz58ZFizFaFZxIyrCJ5rZHHEMLjmZ5pewV8BddK6fSUUS5bLSWqW6XYWdx2fJunl0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYAfjfAea1xVMr909kvRgVkveE6ff01woyX3MuDuf9k8Fw&oe=67CB5A3B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Reelshort-Video stories		618217	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732296	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 3:31 AM	1740993502	1746088310		2747																										play.google.com	Download			IMAGE	Continue reading 👉"The Struggles of the Prostitute "		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader			5.1124446255442E+14	Enjoy reading-D r e am e	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482064808_1729935134399763_2955597638890176595_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gAFkPLUbUmMQ7kNvgF966vH&_nc_oc=AdjIXccRa-oSxq6R2gWW9pdKbrvNILWlpRYr5tlRZQo6n7aBepejLLhSig74FDhsrL-8ZfzdHZWDq2D_fgeTTptz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBqzdvDx4vRZfO-5MDNsV85dIVJ_e6XhbRdjJ0kaw4IMg&oe=67CB4098	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Selling?" The guy sitting next to me suddenly broke the silence. "What?" I turned to face him. "You turning tricks?" "Hmm... You buying? If not, don't ask." He went quiet and took another drag. I finished my cigarette with deliberate slowness. I stubbed out the butt and started sliding off the barstool. His hand closed around my wrist before I could leave. "Wanna take this to my place?" My name is Gemma, and sometimes they call me Gem. I'm 20 years old. I'm studying at a renowned university. I have a sharp face, big eyes, and a tan complexion that is neither very fair nor very dark. And I want to say without shame that I sell my body in order to survive. My family has a large export business. Our family's financial status is wealthy, reaching billionaire levels. I have enjoyed a comfortable life since childhood. Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was young. Just one year ago, my father introduced a woman named Emma to our home and informed me that she was his new wife. Emma has a stepchild named Jin, who is only one year older than me. Initially, I didn't feel anger towards my father for bringing someone else to replace my mother. I understood that he was likely feeling lonely and desired companionship. Moreover, both my stepmother and Jin have been kind to me. Everything seemed to be going well. Until my father got into a car accident and passed away. After the funeral, my stepmother revealed her true self. All the things she did while my father was alive were just a facade. She isn't as good as I thought. A few days after my father's funeral, my stepmother forced me to leave our house. All of my father's shares went to her. She made me stay in a small house that was quite far from the main house. She didn't allow me to spend a single penny and said that if I wanted money for personal expenses, I had to work in exchange. She and her child made me do various chores, including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, dusting, and cleaning the bathroom. I had to do everything for just five bucks. Jin likes to tear up or burn my homework. I have nothing to submit to my teachers. It has even reached a point where I almost lost the opportunity to take exams. They refused to pay a single dollar for my tuition fees. My stepmother told me to quit and study at a public school. In order for her to pay for my tuition, I had to endure, hold back, and suppress my feelings. Initially, I cried a lot, missing my mom and dad. I even contemplated suicide... but I didn't go through with it. I wonder why my mom and dad didn't take me with them. I wish I could live with them. I wish Dad had known the true character of his new wife before he was gone. I made my decision based on the advice of my close friend, Amber. She told me to use my body for me to have money. Of course, I did not want to do it but the circumstances around me forced me to. If I don't do it, I won't have any money. Moreover, I had to drop out of school because I couldn't afford the tuition fees. The little kid named Gemma, who had a cheerful personality, spoke well, and loved to smile, and whose life used to be filled with happiness. Now...that Gemma has already died because of everything that happened. What is happiness? I can't remember the last time I smiled. Recently, I did it with a senior student named Marco in an abandoned restroom behind the university. He was a 4th year student and was a hot guy at school. More importantly, he was Jin's boyfriend, my stepmother's daughter. Marco and I had been secretly doing it many times without Jin knowing. If she only knew, I believe she would be devastated. Huh! After we finished, Marco and I parted ways. "Gem, where have you been? I've been looking for you all over campus," greeted Amber, my only close friend. I didn't answer, I just raised my eyebrows at her once, and she knew what I had done. "And who is the guy?" she asked me. "It's Marco," I answered. “Wow! Again? Looks like Marco is attracted to you huh." "Probably. He gives me three hundred bucks this time." "Jin might lose her mind if she finds out that you've been secretly meeting her boyfriend," Amber uttered. "Well, that's what I want," I said in a calm voice with a cold expression. "Hmm. I like it. But anyway, let's go study." Amber and I have known each other since elementary school. We are very close. Amber is just like me. She sells her body to survive. That's why it's just the two of us together. I don't have any other friends. Amber had to resort to selling herself because her family's company went bankrupt. People know what kind of women Amber and I are. We can't be expelled from the University because Amber knows the owner. That's why we are still able to study there until now. After class was finished, it was time to go home. "Want to go out tonight, Gem?" Amber asked. "Oh, let's go," I answered. "At the pub tonight at 10:00 p.m. I'll pick you up at the condo." Since I started selling myself, I haven't set foot in that house again--the house I've lived in since I was born. "Gem, Gem, look at that!!" Amber pointed out to me a couple. They are a couple that only attracts jealous people. The two of them were sitting, bickering at their usual corner table. Those two people are Marco and Jin. Huh... many people are jealous of the two of them. But I'm not jealous at all. It's even pitiful. "A rotting ghost with a rotting coffin," I said with no emotion. "Yes, you're right." Someday, I will make my stepmother and stepsister know what it's like to have everything taken away. At exactly 10:00 in the evening, Amber came to pick me up at the condo. We are going to a pub tonight. "Hey, you look great tonight, huh?" Amber tilted her head while looking at me. "I'll meet someone later," I uttered. "Hmm... with whom?" she asked. "It's Caleb." "Is that Marco's friend?" "Uh... yes." "So he won't have any problems?" "What problems will there be? Will they have problems because of someone like me?" I uttered. "Not like that," she said. "I'll take care of both of us later," I told her. "Alright. I'll leave it to you then," Amber replied. *** At the pub. The guys had arrived and already ordered, waiting at the table. Amber and I walked together to find Caleb at the table. Garry, Jackson, and Marco were sitting there. The latter looked at me with a slightly shocked expression upon seeing me. "Is this the girl you told Garry about?" Marco turned to ask Caleb. "Oh, Gem, come sit here," Caleb called me to sit next to him. As for Amber, she sat next to Justine. Then the waitress walked over and prepared some drinks for us. After sitting and drinking for a while, Caleb reached out and poked my arm. "Let's go to the bathroom." Caleb leaned forward and whispered to me. "Are you in a hurry?" I asked him. Caleb raised his eyebrows at me and then stood up, walking towards the bathroom. "I'll be back soon, Amber." I turned to talk to Amber, then got up and followed Caleb. When we arrived at the bathroom, Caleb dragged me into the last cubicle. "Uh. Chill. Take it easy. Okay?" I pushed Caleb on his shoulder. Then after that, Caleb walked out of the bathroom. As for me, I straightened my clothes and then walked out of the bathroom. "Hey... is the guy really good?" As I was walking out of the bathroom, a man's voice greeted me. I turned my head to see who it was. "Marco," I uttered. Marco was standing in front of me, smoking a cigarette while looking at my face. "Hmm. He's fine. It's still thrilling in some way," I responded to him. "Huh!" he smirks. Marco took a puff of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke forcefully. As I was about to walk past him, he grabbed my arm to stop me. "Yes?" I raised my eyebrows and asked Marco. Marco took another puff from his cigarette and blew the smoke in my face, looking at me intently. He then pulled me into the same place I had just come out of. Marco walked back to the table first. As for me, I sat in front of the bathroom, smoking a cigarette. Suddenly, a man appeared out of nowhere and sat next to me. He was handsome, with fair skin and a smooth face that resembled a woman's. However, no matter how attractive he was, it didn't affect me in any way. Just as Amber had once told me, I felt numb. I couldn't feel love for anyone. "Are you for sale?" The man sitting next to me suddenly said. "What?" I turned to look at him. "Are you offering yourself?" he asked. "Um...why? Do you want me? Because if you don't want my service, just don't ask," I uttered. He remained silent and continued to smoke his cigarette. Meanwhile, I continued smoking until I was finished. I flicked the cigarette away and stood up, preparing to walk back to the table. However, the man grabbed my arm before I could leave. "Do you want to come to my condo?" he asked. I looked surprised at the face of the man who invited me to his condo. "How old are you?" I asked. "Sixteen." He smiled faintly at me. "I'll see you when the pub closes," I uttered. "Can I have your number?" he asked. "Give me your phone," I uttered. He handed the phone to me. I pressed my number for him to go. When finished, I handed the phone back. "My name is Brandon," he said. "Hmm," I replied shortly. "And your name is...?" I didn't answer. I just turned my back on him and walked into the pub. "Hey...you still haven't told me what your name is," he shouted behind me but I didn't care. I walked back to the table and noticed Marco sitting there, flirting with a woman. This man is quite naughty, I must say. But interestingly enough, Marco and Jin seem to have a certain compatibility. Because Jin is secretly involved with Garry, who happens to be Marco's friend. And it's highly unlikely that Marco is aware of this situation. As for me, I only know about it because Caleb shared the whole story with me. "What took you so long?" Caleb pulled me by the waist and hugged me. "I just happened to run into someone I know, so we chatted for a bit," I answered. "Will you spend the night with me tonight?" Caleb whispered to me. "I'm not available tonight... maybe next time." "Alright then... but next time, I hope you won't refuse to spend the night with me," he uttered. I nodded. "Yeah, I promise." "Marco, you're neglecting your friends," I heard Jackson suddenly say to Marco. It seems like Marco is only focused on flirting with women and doesn't seem to care about anyone else. "Yeah, guys! I'll go to the bathroom first!" After saying that, Marco and the woman stood up and walked towards the bathroom. I suppose it's not hard to guess why they went there. They probably will do something hot. Then we continued drinking. After a while, Jackson and Caleb excused themselves to go outside to smoke cigarettes. "Gem, I've been looking for you since earlier." "Why? What's going on?!" I asked my friend. "Look at the man at that table. I see him looking at you all the time." Amber extended her hand and nudged me to look at the person she was referring to. I glanced over at the table where Amber pointed, and as I turned to look at the man sitting there, he raised his glass of wine and gave me a sweet smile. It was the same guy who had invited me to his condo while I was in the bathroom. His name is Brandon. "Hey Gem, I really want him. But he seems very interested in you. He doesn't even glance at me." She made a slightly angry face. "So can you go up to him and ask for his name? Or could you get his number for me?" she added. "Hmm. His name is Brandon. And he got my number earlier," I replied to Amber. "Oh! That's why he's been looking at you. He likes you," Amber whispered to me. I just shrugged. "So how is it? Is he cool?" "We didn't really talk much. We agreed to meet when the pub is closed. And he invited me to go to his condo," I replied to Amber. "Hmm. Why are there so few handsome and cool guys?" she uttered. "You talk like your dad isn't handsome at all." The father I'm talking about is the owner of the university where Amber is secretly having an affair. Even though he's in his forties, he's still handsome. He has a very muscular and fit physique, with a tight six-pack. "Shh! Don't say that loud or Daddy will show up. I actually sneaked away to come here!" "I hope your daddy comes here to see you," I joked. "Oh God! Gem! You just hit a nerve talking about Daddy. It gave me goosebumps." Amber rubbed her arm back and forth. Amber and I continued drinking. A guy named Brandon was looking at me. He kept his gaze fixed on me even when I looked away. I pretended not to care. For a while, Marco, Caleb, and Jackson returned to the table. We didn't know where the woman who was with Marco went, and she didn't come back. Then we continued drinking until the pub was about to close. After a while, my phone rang. I picked it up and checked who had sent me a text message. When I clicked to look, I immediately knew who had greeted me. It was that guy named Brandon. From Brandon: I'm waiting in the car. He also mentioned the type of car he has and its registration number. I read the message but didn't reply. "Hey, Amber. I might leave first," I said. "Oh, are you leaving? Alright. I'll just go home with Jackson later," Amber replied with a meaningful smile. "You're leaving? The pub isn't closed yet. It seems like you're in a hurry to go home," Garry commented. "I have somewhere to go. Please excuse me," I uttered. "Hey, Gem. Don't forget next time, you have to sleep with me," Caleb whispered. I nodded. "Alright. I won't forget." "Amber, don't get too drunk." I turned to tell Amber. She nodded at me and responded, "Okay." Then I walked out of the pub and headed straight to the car of a guy named Brandon. As I was walking towards the car, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. But I didn't read them because I was trying to spot Brandon's car. After walking around for a while, I found his car. I opened the door and sat inside. When I got inside, Brandon was waiting for me. "So, let's go?" he asked. I nodded. Brandon then started the car and drove away from the pub. "You haven't told me your name yet." He looked at me. "Do I really need to say it?" I said quietly, maintaining a serious expression. As I finished my sentence, Brandon seemed a bit taken aback by my response. "Please tell me your name. I really want to know your name," he pleaded. "It's not necessary," I replied. "Why are you so cold?" he asked. "Smile for me, please... I think if you smile, you must be very beautiful," he added. Why does this guy talk so much? I'm starting to get annoyed. I remained silent and didn't answer. Then I leaned my head against the car window. "You're so cold huh," Brandon said as he continued driving. While we were in the middle of our journey to his condo, my phone kept receiving messages one after another. I checked my phone to see who was sending the messages, and it seemed urgent. I saw that the messages were from Marco. From: Marco Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Come back to the front of the pub. I'll wait for you. Who is with you in the car, huh? Where are you now? Why aren't you replying? I didn't respond to his messages. After reading them, I turned off my cell phone. "Is your boyfriend looking for you?" Brandon asked me. It seemed like he also noticed the consecutive messages coming to my phone. "No, and stop asking questions," I replied to him. Brandon just shrugged his shoulders. After a short while, we arrived at his condo. When we entered, he took me up to his room. It was a very luxurious room, indicating that he must come from a wealthy background. "Please give me your account number. I don't have any cash here. I'll transfer it to you," Brandon said, handing me his phone. I entered the account number for him. After a while, a voice message came in, but I didn't see how much was transferred. "Do you want it in the room or here?" I asked, then pointed to the large sofa. "Who said I would do that to you?" Brandon smiled sweetly at me. "What do you mean?" I asked him. "I just want to sleep and hold you. I didn't think of anything like that," he clarified. After Brandon said he didn't want anything to happen between us and just wanted to cuddle, I took my cell phone and checked how much money he had transferred to my account. And I was surprised to see that the money was quite a lot. "If that's the case, why did you transfer such a large amount of money?" I asked him. "Well, I just wanted to." Brandon smiled sweetly at me, then he took my hand and walked into the bedroom. Once inside the room, we both lay down on the bed. Brandon hugged me from behind. "Hey, are you already asleep?" I heard him ask. But I remained silent and didn't respond. "You're probably asleep. Good night, then." After saying that, Brandon kissed me once on the shoulder. Throughout the night, Brandon did indeed keep his word. And I couldn't believe that he didn't do anything other than just hold me. Perhaps this guy is going crazy, paying me a large sum of money but nothing happened between us. The next morning was Saturday. I didn't have any classes at the university today. I woke up late, so I got up and prepared to go back to my condo. Meanwhile, Brandon was still asleep beside me. But when he felt me getting up, he also woke up. "Are you leaving?" he asked, opening his eyes. "Yeah," I replied curtly. "I'll drive you," Brandon said, jumping out of bed and standing up. "No need. I can manage on my own," I told him. "No. I brought you here. I can't let you leave on your own. Just wait for me. I'll just take a quick shower." Brandon got up from the bed and hurriedly grabbed a towel before heading into the bathroom. But does he really think I will listen to him and wait for him? After Brandon went into the bathroom, I decided to leave his room as well. When I arrived outside the building, I hailed a cab to go back to my condo. Once I reached my room, I sat down on the sofa and let out a sigh. After a few moments, tears welled up in my eyes. "I miss you so much, Dad, Mom," I said as tears streamed down on my cheeks. This world is really cruel to me. After crying, I clenched my fists. I gritted my teeth and glanced out the window with vengeance burning in my eyes. "You will pay for everything you've done to me, Emma and Jin!" I exclaimed. Then, I raised my hand to gently wipe away my tears and took a deep breath. After a while, I got up from the sofa and took a shower, changing into fresh clothes. After that, I proceeded to clean my entire room. I was engrossed in what I was doing when my phone rang. When I checked, it was Amber calling me. "Hey, Amber, why did you call?" I asked her. "Are you at your condo right now? I'll come over. I'm bored," she said to me. "Sure, I'll wait for you," I replied. "Okay. I'll come over. Bye, Gem!" After that, she ended the call. Then I continued with my cleaning. After a while, I heard the sound of the doorbell. I thought it might be Amber, especially since I wasn't expecting any other visitors at the moment. So, after setting aside my cleaning supplies, I headed towards the door and opened it. However, I was surprised because it wasn't Amber who greeted me. "Marco!" I exclaimed in surprise. He took the opportunity to enter my condo without my permission! "Why are you here? What do you need?" I asked him after closing the door. "Where have you been? And why haven't you been replying to my messages, huh?" he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It's none of your business where I've been. And why do I need to tell you?" I retorted. But Marco remained silent, just staring at my face. After a moment, my cell phone rang, indicating a new message. I was about to check it when Marco snatched it away from me. "What ! Give it back to me. You have no right to my personal belongings, Marco!" I exclaimed angrily. But it seemed like Marco wasn't even listening to what I was saying. His attention was solely focused on my cell phone. "Did you sleep with this guy?" Marco asked, raising the cell phone out of my reach. And I knew he was reading the messages from Brandon to me. "Yes! I slept with him!" I said, snatching the cell phone back from Marco's hand. "When will you stop selling your body, Gem? I've told you before! I'll take care of you! How much money do you need?!" he exclaimed forcefully. Marco had talked about this matter with me many times already, but I kept refusing. "You don't need to do that!" I told him. "Why don't you want to?!" he asked. "For what? So you can make me a mistress while you're with Jin? I know you exactly know what's going on between me and that woman! If you want me to stop selling myself, leave Jin! Because I won't settle for being just a mistress, Marco!" I retorted. "Are you going crazy?! I'm paying you and I never fail! And Jin? She has nothing to do with this! If you only knew, she wants you to come back home! You're the one making things difficult for yourself, Gem! What do you think you're doing? Don't you even think about Aunt Emma?" he said to me. "I'm an outsider. What do you know? Do you believe what those two are saying?" I exclaimed angrily. "Gemma!" Marco tightly squeezed my arm. But I didn't show him that I was in pain. Instead, I lifted my head and looked directly into his eyes. In these moments, I knew he was angry with me. After a while, his cell phone suddenly rang. Marco let go of my arm and answered the call, while his other hand remained in his pants pocket. "Yes, Jin. I'm on my way already," he said. "Huh!" I sarcastically laughed upon hearing the name of his caller. Marco turned towards me and stared at me. This guy is such a jerk. "Yes, I'll be there in half an hour. I just need to change," Marco added while looking at me. After that, he ended the call. In an instant, he pushed me down onto the large sofa. "Here's the money. Take it!" he said, holding it close to my face. "You'll be meeting your beloved girlfriend, won't you?" I asked in a soft voice, my hand gently caressing his arm. For now, I will let them be happy. But in the end, I will make sure that their happiness fades away. After a while, Amber arrived. "Gem, I think I saw Marco coming from here," she said to me. "That was him," I replied. "Oh, don't tell me you two are getting along now?" she asked. "No way!" I denied. "But I think Marco has feelings for you. So just let him be. By the way, where does he get the money he pays you?" she asked. "I don't know. He's not rich or anything. So that's strange," I replied. "That's exactly it!" she agreed. After that, Amber and I sat and talked for a while. As the afternoon passed by, Amber said she was bored, so she invited me to go out and take a walk to the mall. But when we arrived there, we heard someone calling us from behind, asking us to wait while we were busy strolling. "Hey, ladies. Wait for me!" Amber and I turned to see who it was. "Oh! He's the guy who kept staring at you last night, right?" Amber remarked.		Enjoy reading-D r e am e		97	https://www.facebook.com/100086468286886/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
2731661	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:22 PM	1740993489	1749874932		2747																										page.joyreadland.com	Learn more			IMAGE	👉😍《Reborn to My Engagement Night》Join our reading community now!😍		https://page.joyreadland.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=7639&brand=2&app=0&ppid=3901&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120216214760830490&ori_adset_id=120216214768770490&ori_ad_id=120216214851210490			1.0607726224053E+14	The novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481266757_923260066546578_3476452376098197583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NVLbIdqjKwoQ7kNvgHaGWq4&_nc_oc=AdjK47oXGpxbWYsVp4EWslvYxBBkAnBv-WK7iXxPwtDPFHXsD0Jjgsp9UxTyA5rothkkh3VHTs6tblNJ8h7PTzc0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYBZ_jM9cutftiEVu2uL6JN7MxPsfXTZBrwHEXJzATLeQg&oe=67CB2C64	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 Poison The prison was chillingly cold, filled with a strong stench of blood. “Why...” Madelyn was painfully curled up on the ground, the oversized prison garb enveloping her and accentuating her frail, emaciated body. A violent coughing fit racked her body, and blood gushed out of her mouth. The pain was unbearable. It felt as though ten thousand knives were churning in her stomach, causing such intense pain that her vision started to darken. The poison was terrifyingly potent, even piercing her guts. “Why... Why are you treating me like this?” Madelyn mustered all her strength to lift her head, her eyes filled with deep-seated hatred as she stared at the prisoner before her. “Hehe, are you asking why I poisoned your food?” The prisoner laughed cruelly, looking down at the woman kneeling on the ground with a mix of disdain and pity. “Someone paid me to kill you. Your very existence stands in the way of her happiness!” “Who?” Madelyn braced her stomach with her knee, struggling to maintain a shred of consciousness. “Fine, since you're already on the brink of death, I'll tell you who it is so you can rest in peace. Aren't you going to marry Mr. Lockhart? That's why she doesn't want you around! Once you're gone, they can be together...” The excruciating pain coursed through her body, engulfing her nerve endings in torment. Despite the agony, a woman's face flashed through her mind, albeit fleetingly. It's her! It's Janessa, that despicable woman! I can't believe she actually stooped so low! Madelyn cried out in agony, her tear-filled eyes reflecting an overwhelming sense of regret and remorse. Janessa, once her closest and dearest friend, had meticulously plotted against her, causing her to be incarcerated. It was because of that woman, she had given up the best man in the world. That handsome man once pampered and doted on Madelyn, but due to Janessa's instigation, Madelyn used every trick in the book to make him despise her and push him away from her. Only then did Madelyn realize she had been manipulated by Janessa. I'm such a fool. I ended up being imprisoned, and now, I'm even losing my life. But it's too late for regrets... I'm no longer worthy of him. She spewed out yet another mouthful of blood. Lying in a pool of crimson blood, she gazed upon the darkness that enveloped the room through tear-filled eyes. She could no longer feel the gut-wrenching pain. Only profound regret engulfed her, so intense that even death couldn't erase it. Seeing her in such a state, the prisoner couldn't help sighing in pity. He stepped forward, gently brushing his fingers over her eyes. The next second, her eyes, wide with anger and filled with hatred, were shut. All that remained was a beautiful face devoid of any vitality. Once again, the prisoner sighed lamentably, then rose to his feet and left. All that was left was the pungent smell of blood filling the room. Pain and resentment intertwined, gradually engulfing Madelyn from head to toe like a rising tide. Shuddering, Madelyn let out a yelp. She found herself submerged in an abyss of suffering, utterly overwhelmed. Before she could muster a response, a strange sensation surged through her body, shattering her thoughts and consciousness once more. The man's seductively deep voice, coupled with palpable pain, evoked a sense of familiarity that left her feeling bewildered. Before she had a chance to ponder, the man's domineering actions to claim her interrupted her train of thought. After what felt like an eternity, Madelyn opened her eyes laboriously, only to be stunned by the sight before her. The pristine yet plain, boring furnishings were exactly the same as those in the hotel she spent the night in seven years ago. She incredulously turned her head to look at the person beside her. The man's distinctive features loomed before her. His thin lips bore the mark of a harsh bite, the wound scabbing over with a dark red tint. A subtle trace of a smile played at the corner of his lips as he slept. Madelyn covered her mouth, muffling the uncontrollable sobs that threatened to escape. It's Sebastian! It's really him! To her surprise, she found herself transported back seven years, to the night she had become engaged to him and, ultimately, slept with him. That evening remained deeply etched in her memory, not solely because it was the night she lost her virginity, but also because her family pressured her into marrying Sebastian, to which she adamantly rejected. Rumors had it that Sebastian was not only a formidable figure in both sides of the law, but also a hot-tempered man with a tendency toward cruelty. She was terrified, so she vehemently opposed the arranged marriage between their families. She even once suspected that her father and stepmother harbored ill intentions, intending to throw her into hell. That night, she didn't want to be touched by Sebastian. In her desperation, she blurted out that she was in love with Christopher Gale and even declared that she wanted to save herself for him. She vividly recalled how those very words had sparked Sebastian's fury, causing him to forcefully claim her. After that night, she was even more convinced that the heir of the Lockhart family was indeed as terrifying as the rumors suggested. It was only later that she realized, the man she had pegged as cold-hearted was actually the man who loved her the most in this world. However, she had squandered all his affection for her. She was filled with regret. But now, she had been reborn. Madelyn sobbed with joy, tears flowing uncontrollably. Her trembling fingers gently brushed over the man's injured lip. Since fate had granted her a second chance at life, she vowed to reclaim everything that was rightfully hers, including this man. She wouldn't make the same foolish mistakes again, let alone allow herself to be played like a fiddle by Janessa, the woman who had killed her. Madelyn gently moved closer to the man, her trembling lips kissing the corner of his mouth. Knock! Knock! A flurry of rapid knocks echoed from the door. Taken aback, Madelyn froze, her gaze fixed on the source of the sound. If my memory serves me right, Janessa should be outside the door. She's here. Chapter 2 What Is Wrong Madelyn narrowed her eyes, scenes from the past playing out in her mind like a movie. Every word that Janessa had uttered in her previous life was etched in her heart. That woman was unscrupulous, doing anything she could to trick Madelyn. As a result, Madelyn was led astray, even believing that marrying Sebastian was akin to stepping into hell. Janessa had told her that the man who loved her the most was Christopher and that she would only find true happiness with him. That was how Janessa gradually persuaded her to walk straight into a trap, causing her to be doomed eternally. Looking back, Madelyn found herself ridiculous. Back then, she was foolish enough to believe everything Janessa said, even convincing herself that she was truly in love with Christopher. As a result, she went out of her way to oppose Sebastian, striving to distance herself from him. In the end, she became the talk of the town and was widely criticized for being promiscuous. Madelyn closed her eyes, tears of regret streaking down her face. Having recognized the true nature of Janessa, she was determined to prevent history from repeating itself. There's no way I'm going to let Janessa have her way again! Madelyn rose from the bed, slipping into her bathrobe. She paused for a few moments, her hand gripping the doorknob before finally turning it open. Janessa breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly grabbed onto Madelyn's arm, exclaiming, “You finally opened the door. I thought something had happened to you. You really scared me to death.” Janessa stood on tiptoes to peek into the room and asked with a tone of reproach, almost like she was interrogating Madelyn. “Madelyn, I thought we agreed on this. Did you not sneak out last night? Why did you end up spending the night in the room? Did... Did Mr. Lockhart do anything to you?” Janessa scrutinized Madelyn intently, her gaze piercingly sharp, as if trying to see through her. Madelyn cast her eyes down, her fingers tightly clenched, striving to keep her emotions under control. How could I possibly forget what Janessa persuaded me to do? Last night was the night of her engagement to Sebastian. As all the elders were present, Madelyn had no choice but to follow Sebastian into the room. At that time, Janessa immediately sent her a text message, urging her to devise a plan to get Sebastian drunk and find an opportunity to slip away in the middle of the night. However, Janessa was left disappointed. Madelyn scoffed inwardly. She had indeed acted according to Janessa's suggestions the previous night. Unfortunately, Sebastian's tolerance for alcohol was frighteningly high, and he had even seen through her tricks. Madelyn had decided not to explain any further. Having experienced death, Madelyn discerned Janessa's feelings for Sebastian. It's pretty obvious, actually. How was I foolish enough to be blinded in the past? Madelyn couldn't help but mock herself inwardly. Swiftly, she collected her thoughts and responded nonchalantly, “Oh, I accidentally fell asleep last night.” Janessa panicked. “You feel asleep? How did you just fall asleep like that? What about Mr. Lockhart? Were you two together last night?” Clenching her jaw, Janessa was frustrated. She had been waiting for Madelyn all night, but the latter did not emerge from the room. This made her feel uneasy, which was why she couldn't resist rushing over to knock on their door first thing in the morning. “Yes, we are together. Last night was our engagement night. There's nothing wrong with him and I being alone in the same room, right?” Madelyn stared at her. Caught off guard by the question, Janessa couldn't shake off the feeling Madelyn was hinting at something. Even her gaze seemed to carry a sharp edge. “Madelyn, what are you talking about? That's not what I meant...” Janessa's voice trailed off. Her attention was instantly drawn to the love bite on the back of Madelyn's neck. Narrowing her eyes, she exclaimed in shock, “Madelyn, what's that on your neck? Is that...” Madelyn reached up to touch her neck and tried covering the hickey with her hair, feigning anxiousness. Lowering her gaze, she fell silent. Just as Janessa was about to press for more details, she saw a tall and slender emerge from the room. It was none other than Sebastian. He was clad in a black suit, exuding an imposing aura. “Mr. Lockhart...” Janessa murmured, her gaze revealing a hint of admiration and love she couldn't hide. Sebastian merely gave her a cold glance, nodded slightly, and then, without a word of greeting, walked past the two of them. Madelyn wanted to call out to him, but she hadn't changed her clothes yet, so all she could do was watch him walk away. Oh, well. I'll deal with Janess first. Reluctantly, she pulled her gaze away and looked at Janessa, who was gazing at the man's retreating figure longingly. The flames of passion ablaze in her eyes grew more intense, and her jealousy burst forth. What she had been worried about had indeed happened last night. She narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists, but as she turned around, she regained her composure. As she spoke, however, her tone was tinged with indignation, as if she was upset on behalf of Madelyn. “Madelyn, I can't believe he had the nerve to force himself on you. That's just too much... I feel so bad for you. We must do something about it, or things will only become worse for you!” Madelyn looked at Janessa's pretentious demeanor and scoffed internally. “Oh? So...how exactly do you plan to help me?” Janessa blurted out, “Of course, you need to break off the engagement. Madelyn, you need to find an opportunity to end the marriage! Only then can you be truly free to pursue your own happiness! Don't you like Christopher?” Madelyn sneered inwardly yet again, but she concealed her thoughts. “I do, but as you know, the elders from both the Lockhart and Thornton families won't allow it.” “No worries. I can help you figure out another solution!” Observing Janessa's eager demeanor, Madelyn really wished she could tear off her hypocritical mask right then and there. However, it just wasn't the right time yet. “Let's talk about this later. I'm going to change my clothes now. Wait for me.” With that, Madelyn closed the door. Janessa stood rooted to the spot. She was aware that something about Madelyn seemed different. Yet, she couldn't quite pinpoint what exactly had changed. All she was certain of was that, following that night, Madelyn seemed off. As Madelyn changed in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but let out a smirk of derision. Janessa toyed with me in my past life. This time around, let's see how the tables will turn. Fifteen minutes later, Madelyn arrived at the hotel lobby. Janessa swiftly waved at Madelyn and trotted over to link arms with her, pretending to be the best of friends with her. “Let's go shopping, Madelyn. I saw a beautiful dress in a boutique a few days ago. I really want it... Madelyn, you've always thought I have good taste, haven't you?” Madelyn flashed a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She knew all too well that Janessa was once again expecting her to foot the bill. This was exactly what had happened in her previous life, where she was practically Janessa's personal ATM. Nevertheless, after everything she had experienced, she would no longer be foolish enough to let Janessa manipulate her. With a weary expression, Madelyn looked at Janessa. “I'm sorry, but I'll pass. I'm a bit tired from last night and I'm not really up for anything, so I think I'll head home and rest first.” Janessa's expression froze. She didn't expect Madelyn to turn her down, and once she registered what Madelyn was talking about, her features almost contorted. “Oh, how could I forget about that? Of course you'll be tired after what happened last night. Be careful on your way then,” Janessa said with an awkward smile. Madelyn paid her no heed. As she hailed a cab to leave, she distinctly felt a malevolent gaze boring into her from behind. In the car, Madelyn massaged her temples. As she began to relax, she thought of Sebastian. In her past life, he began keeping his distance from her after what transpired the previous night. He had never even set foot in the marital home prepared by both of their families. In her previous life, she had broken his heart. Hence, in this life, she was determined to win him back. I must succeed. Chapter 3 Dream On Madelyn glanced at her phone to check the time, speculating that Sebastian should be at the office by now. Making up her mind, Madelyn asked the driver to turn around. A few minutes later, she found herself standing in front of Lockhart Group's building. Glancing up at the towering skyscraper, Madelyn couldn't help but squint as the sunlight hit the glass exterior of the building, refracting a dazzling light. Sebastian was in the CEO's office, located at the very top floor. Madelyn entered the grand hall, heading straight for the exclusive elevator reserved for a privileged few. Those in the hall recognized her identity and didn't dare to stop her. She made her way straight to the top floor. Upon reaching the assistant's office, Sebastian's assistant Malcolm Schultz was taken aback upon seeing Madelyn. “Ms. Thornton... No, I should address you as Mrs. Lockhart now. How come you're here, Mrs. Lockhart?” Malcolm rose, so surprised that he stammered. In the past, Madelyn never deigned to set foot in Lockhart Group, a sentiment that she had once verbally expressed. Every time she visited, chaos would ensue in the company, and Malcolm was always the one who had to clean up the mess and bear the brunt of Sebastian's anger. Therefore, he was afraid of Madelyn. Madelyn evidently remembered the horrible things she used to do. In fact, Malcolm had been nice to her in her previous life. He had even defended her because of Sebastian. However, she had harbored a deep aversion toward Malcolm. Looking back, she was filled with regret. Hence, her attitude changed for the better, and she asked gently, “Is Sebastian around?” Malcolm was clearly taken aback, seemingly unaccustomed to the change in her demeanor. Furthermore, she used to call Sebastian by his full name, never as intimate as she did now. Nevertheless, he responded truthfully, “Mr. Lockhart is in a meeting.” Madelyn nodded. “I'll go in and wait for him then. You carry on with your work.” After speaking, she headed straight for the CEO's office. Malcolm was stunned. For a moment, he almost questioned if Madelyn had gone mad. However, he quickly regained his composure and busied himself catering to Madelyn's every need, serving her tea and attending to her diligently. He was afraid that if she got upset, she might cause trouble again. Three hours later, after finishing his meeting, Sebastian returned to the top floor. Noticing the complicated look on Malcolm's face, he frowned and pushed the door open. Madelyn was lounging comfortably on the guest couch, flipping through a magazine in her hand. Sebastian's frown deepened, and his tone was icy cold when he spoke. “Why are you here? What do you want?” Upon hearing that, Madelyn put down the magazine she was holding and sat upright. As soon as her gaze met Sebastian's, she couldn't look away. He stood tall and sturdy, and his well-tailored suit highlighted his outstanding physique. His features were distinct, his lips thin and tightly pursed as his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Even the displeased look on his face was incredibly pleasing to the eye. Madelyn instinctively ignored the imposing icy aura that surrounded him. This man is so attractive. To say his looks could captivate the whole world wouldn't be an exaggeration. Madelyn couldn't help but berate herself in silence. Had I been blind back then? Why on earth did I let such a good man go? I was such a fool! “Do I need a reason to visit? It's almost noon. Let's go grab some lunch together.” With a playful smile curling the corners of her lips, Madelyn snuggled up to the man beside her. Her face, filled with smiles, drew closer. Seeing her act so out of character, Sebastian furrowed his brows and scoffed coldly. “What now? Concocting some scheme to break off our engagement? Let me tell you, it's too late for that! I advise you to give up on that idea immediately!” The icy tone carried an undeniable authority, which left Madelyn momentarily stunned. He's so indifferent! But I can only blame my past self for being too much of a nuisance. It's no wonder he'd think like that and say such things. Madelyn didn't get upset. Still wearing a smile, she took a few steps forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him. “Don't forget what you just said. I'll take your word for it. So, are you going to join me for lunch? If not, I guess I'll ask Christopher out instead.” Sebastian's face fell, and a hint of hostility could be discerned in his expression. Madelyn shuddered in fear upon noticing that. However, her purpose for going to the company was Sebastian. Having already resorted to provocation, there was no reason for her to give up halfway. Moreover, she had indeed been causing a lot of trouble and had multiple tricks up her sleeve in the past, so it was understandable that Sebastian was on his guard. Hence, she had to take it slow and start by getting close to him, No matter the approach, she must bridge the gap between them and build a close relationship with him. With that in mind, Madelyn had no choice but to continue clinging to the man's neck, waiting for his response. Sebastian narrowed his eyes, giving her a cold stare. He couldn't comprehend what game this woman was playing. After a moment, he pried Madelyn's arms off him, turned around, and grabbed the car keys from his desk. Walking out first, he asked, “What do you feel like eating?” Madelyn's smile widened when he agreed. She quickly caught up to him and took his hand. “I'm not sure. How about you choose for me?” Sebastian pursed his thin lips and shook her hand off without a word. Madelyn pouted, noticing that Malcolm was standing by the door. An idea popped up in her mind, and in the next instant, she turned and linked arms with Malcolm. Sebastian observed with an expression. Before Malcolm could even react, Sebastian had grabbed Madelyn's hand and placed it back on his arm. Madelyn chuckled to herself. He might seem aloof, but he still cares about me. I believe I'll be able to win his heart someday! Malcolm froze as he observed the couple's interaction. It took him a long while to regain his composure and take note of the love in the air. For a moment, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, for everything was just too surreal. In the past, Madelyn would never get close to Sebastian. Has she lost her mind today? Chapter 4 The Madelyn In The Past The sun was blazing. When the black Rolls-Royce came to a halt, Madelyn eagerly climbed out of the car and went into a nearby restaurant, dragging the man behind her. It was a Clusian restaurant she had gone to before. Although she had only been there once, the authenticity of its dishes had left a lasting impression. The local cuisine was particularly notable for its genuine flavors. When ordering the food, Madelyn handed the menu to Sebastian, who was sitting across from her. “You can choose. I have difficulty making decisions.” Sebastian nonchalantly chose around seven to eight dishes. The dishes were soon served. Madelyn picked up her fork and began to savor the food, but after only a few bites, she was shocked. Every dish he ordered was her favorite. Her heart skipped a beat, and she was nearly brought to tears. She was surprised that Sebastian even remembered all her favorite foods. But I don't know his preferences at all! How I wish I could slap myself! Seeing that she had stopped eating, Sebastian tasted the food and asked, “Why did you stop eating? Is it not to your liking?” Madelyn sniffled, responding in a soft voice, “No. It's delicious.” She immediately began digging in, albeit distractedly. Her gaze was fixated on the man across from her. Sebastian quickly grew uncomfortable under her gaze. Setting down his fork, he frowned and inquired, “Come on, spill it. What are you really up to? Have you decided playing hardball won't work, so you're trying a roundabout approach instead?” Madelyn was left speechless by the question. I'm just trying to figure out what are his favorite foods. However, she didn't voice these thoughts. After all, his skepticism stemmed from her own misbehavior. Even if she did tell him the truth, he wouldn't have believed her. Madelyn didn't respond directly. Instead, she changed the topic and said calmly, “I'm planning to return to Lockhart Villa tonight. Would you... like to come back with me?” It was Sebastian's turn to be shocked. He clearly hadn't expected her to say such a thing. From what he knew about Madelyn, she would have stayed as far away from Lockhart Villa as possible. Yet, now, she was the one inviting him to return to Lockhart Villa. After much deliberation, Sebastian finally concluded that she indeed had ulterior motives. He stood up abruptly, his tone cold. “No matter what you're planning, you won't succeed! Because I will never agree!” With that, he turned and walked away. His tall figure disappeared at the door. Madelyn couldn't help but sigh. Looks like I'm too eager. That was too abrupt. I'll have to take things one step at a time. After dinner, Madelyn returned to Lockhart Villa. It felt like an eternity since she last returned to Lockhart Villa after dying once. However, everything that had happened in the past was still vivid in sight. Upon entering the villa, she nodded at the butler, Lydia, with a friendly smile. Lydia stood frozen in shock upon seeing Madelyn. Madelyn merely smiled without saying a word upon seeing how astonished Lydia was. She then ascended the stairs. Pushing open the bedroom door, Madelyn felt a warm sensation filling her heart as she looked around at the familiar setup and decorations in the room. The room was decorated according to her preferences, almost replicating everything from her bedroom in the Thornton residence. Apparently, Sebastian put a lot of thought into arranging this bedroom. However, she had been too unappreciative in the past. Madelyn was in the midst of reminiscing when her phone began to ring. She picked it up and saw that the incoming call was from Janessa. She answered the call, and a gentle, alluring voice came through. “Madelyn, where are you right now?” Madelyn didn't hide the truth. “I'm at Lockhart Villa.” Janessa was silent for a couple of seconds before speaking again, her voice noticeably sharper. “Why on earth did you go back there? What are you thinking?” Madelyn sneered, her voice steady as she replied, “This is my marital home. It's only natural for me to return. Besides, I can't really go back home now. Knowing my father's temper, even if I did return, he'd just send me back here.” Janessa tightened her grip on her phone. She was almost certain that something was definitely off with Madelyn. Once she returns to Lockhart Villa, she'll have more opportunities to spend time with Sebastian. That's the last thing I want to see. I will not allow that! Janessa's gaze hardened as she tightly gripped her phone, saying, “Well, of course. You misunderstood me. That's not what I meant. The reason I called is just to let you know that there's a class reunion tomorrow, and Christopher will be there, too.” Madelyn couldn't help scoffing. Janessa's just way too nervous. If I remember correctly, Janessa set me up after I had a few drinks during the alumni gathering in my previous life. I don't know what came over me back then, but I ended up in a hotel room with Christopher. To make matters worse, we were caught in the act by Sebastian. The incident escalated to the point where even the Thorntons and Lockharts became aware of it. Things turned ugly, and ultimately, the elders intervened to suppress the situation. Madelyn scoffed inwardly. She's trying to use the same old trick again, huh? She has no idea that the past Madelyn, who used to be at her beck and call, has already died. Since that's what she wants to do, I'll happily play along. Chapter 5 Never Let Him Down The following afternoon, Madelyn pushed open the door to her walk-in closet, intending to pick out an appropriate outfit to wear to the class reunion dinner. The moment she opened it, she was stunned to see a wide variety of clothes of all shapes, colors, and styles. The walk-in closet was filled to the brim with haute couture, all imported from abroad. Sebastian had personally instructed designers to prepare these for her. Yet, in her previous life, she did not appreciate his efforts and didn't even bother sparing these exquisite pieces a glance. Only then did she realize these clothes were all of her favorite styles and were incredibly flattering to her figure. Knocks sounded at the door, and Lydia arrived carrying a tray of snacks. She set down the tray, noticing Madelyn was picking out clothes. Despite her surprise, an amicable smile still spread across her face. She could sense that Madelyn had changed. Upon seeing Lydia, Madelyn seized the opportunity to ask her, “Lydia, did Sebastian have someone send these clothes?” Lydia chuckled. She had always been fond of Madelyn, and since the latter was behaving surprisingly amiable and cheerful today, she told her the truth. “Yes. Mr. Lockhart personally selected all these designs. He didn't want me to tell you, probably worried that you might not like them and his efforts would go down the drain. But, I think you must already know Mr. Lockhart's feelings,” she said, laughing softly. Madelyn cast her gaze downward, sighing inwardly. It's just as I expected. I must have been out of my mind back then, mistaking sincerity for pretense and pushing away those who truly care about me. Such a wonderful man was right by my side. How could I have missed it? Luckily, I've come back to life. I won't miss out again in this lifetime. I will never let him down. After spending a long time deciding, Madelyn settled on an elegant yet stunning dress. She held it up against herself, gauging how she might look in it. Turning to Lydia, she asked, “What do you think? Is it nice?” Lydia smiled. “With a face as stunning as yours, you'd look beautiful in anything.” Madelyn was embarrassed. “You flatter me, Lydia.” Lydia took a few steps inside and opened a wardrobe. “Mrs. Lockhart, there are high heels and designer handbags in here that match the dress. There's also quite a bit of jewelry. Feel free to wear whatever you like.” As she spoke, she eagerly brought out several jewelry boxes, presenting them to Madelyn. Madelyn felt moved and said gratefully, “Thanks, Lydia.” With a bright smile, Lydia responded, “If Mr. Lockhart sees you wearing the clothes he has prepared, he will be delighted.” Madelyn pondered for a moment before swiftly slipping into the light purple dress she had selected, admiring her reflection in the full-length mirror. Handing her phone to Lydia, she flashed a charming smile and said, “Could you take a full-body picture of me, please?” Before the camera, Madelyn donned a graceful yet endearing smile, her clear, captivating eyes possessing the power to effortlessly captivate hearts. After the photo was taken, Madelyn immediately sent it to Sebastian and texted him, asking: How do I look? She waited for a while without receiving a response, but she didn't mind, assuming he was busy. Madelyn was halfway through applying light makeup before the mirror when Janessa's call came through again. “Madelyn, are you getting ready? It's just a simple class reunion. You don't need to dress up too much. Just wear your usual attire. I just wanted to remind you that the gathering is about to start soon. Remember to arrive on time.” Madelyn listened to her in silence, not responding to a single word she said, and then hung up the phone. She began sneering inwardly from the moment she answered that phone call, for Janessa had also said the same exact words in her previous life. However, when she reached the venue back then, she saw Janessa all dolled up, stealing the spotlight. As for Madelyn, standing next to Janessa, seemed dull and unremarkable in contrast. Today, I'm not going to listen to her. When Madelyn left the house, she made her way to Sebastian's garage and selected a sleek, cool-looking Porsche sports car. She drove all the way to the exclusive club. Upstairs, within the private room, people were clinking their glasses clinked and exchanging toasts. When Madelyn walked in, she immediately sensed everyone's gaze shifting toward her. They were all in awe. Her classmates didn't recognize her and were all busy guessing who she was. With a faint smile gracing her lips, Madelyn spoke. “I apologize for being late.” “Is that you, Madelyn? You look absolutely stunning today!” someone exclaimed in surprise. Everyone was taken aback. Though they all knew Madelyn was pretty, she had never put much effort into her appearance before. In fact, she was often a bit unkempt, and her outfits could best be described as eccentric. However, no one expected her to be drop-dead gorgeous once she made an effort to dress up. She was draped in the softest lilac gown, its delicate hue accentuating her flawless figure. The elegant length of her neck, the low cut of her dress revealing a generous expanse of smooth, alabaster skin, the graceful curve of her chest, her slender waist, and the hint of her long legs—all combined to captivate the onlookers. Her features exuded natural elegance, enhanced by a touch of light makeup, rendering her even more charming and captivating. Whether it was her gentle smile or a subtle shift of her body, she epitomized grace, her light purple gown adding to her ethereal presence. Among the myriad of astonished gazes, one stood out—a stare brimming with jealousy. Janessa downed a gulp of wine. She had been basking in the glow of others' compliments, having worn a costly designer dress specifically for this gathering. However, the moment Madelyn made her appearance, she outshone everyone else, and just like that, Janessa's spotlight was stolen away. The room was abuzz with chatter; all singing praises for Madelyn. Even the women who were originally surrounding Janessa were drawn to Madelyn. “Madelyn, you looked stunning today. This dress looks perfect on you! It must have been quite expensive, right?” “Yeah! May I touch it?” “Wow, this fabric feels so comfortable! And it's gorgeous, too!” “Madelyn, so many men would've fallen for you if you had dressed up before this!” Madelyn nodded at every one of them as a greeting. She then picked up a glass of champagne and delicately took a sip. Thinking back to how she used to dress herself, she found it amusing. I must have been crazy to have believed what Janessa had said. She remembered distinctly that Janessa had told her that Christopher preferred the unconventional, advising her to dress according to his tastes. Back then, she had been surprised by Christopher's kinky preferences of favoring women in heavy metal attire. Only then did she realize that was all part of Janessa's deceptive scheme. Madelyn looked up once again, only to find Christopher was also present at the scene. He fixed his gaze on her, unable to conceal the admiration in his eyes. At that moment, Janessa approached with a frown and asked, “Why are you dressed like this? It's a bit too formal, don't you think?” Madelyn smiled. “Didn't you ask me to dress simply? It's such a hassle to wear those heavy metal clothes I usually wear.” Wearing a stiff expression, Janessa let out an awkward laugh. “No, that's not what I meant. You look great in this outfit, Madelyn. I've been waiting for you for a while. Come on, I've saved a spot for you.” Madelyn glanced over, noting the still unoccupied seat right next to Christopher.		The novel		20947	https://www.facebook.com/100085523883301/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732322	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 3:34 AM	1740993502	1746088499		2747																											Send message			MULTI_IMAGES						5.0207355631965E+14	TEVA’s Essence	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481660954_559041400492046_2706626730606530363_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Nvg5vb2M2GUQ7kNvgGoifI4&_nc_oc=AdhmgTa5LkZNFzPh8217F2M2mlXNKS5rWmoFmuDqcWqtBpLWZufD7u8Fbd7hbANgDJmLYUeYE_mfvJtSvsu-RybV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ShewKxJxQDwlV1-_m3Ur0&oh=00_AYCNPH2Mg35r2T2aARzlbgzNKGU7PCOJTYP2o03SXF0m1w&oe=67CB38F7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Lavender Magnesium Oil Spray Now in larger packaging! Benefits of Magnesium Spray: Magnesium is a mineral used for energy production, muscle and nerve function and helps regulate blood pressure! 🫶🏼Reduce Anxiety-spray on chest 😴Helps You Sleep ❤️Helps restore nutrients needed for your cells 😃Helps gut issues- Spray onto stomach 4oz spray only $18 right now!!! TEVASessence.com		TEVA’s Essence		12	https://www.facebook.com/61568764451919/	0		MESSAGE_PAGE								View Edit Delete
2732325	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 4:43 AM	1740993503	1746092583		2747																										a.vampirefictions.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.vampirefictions.com/ad/ZmFudGFzeWxhbmQvNDQ0MzY5LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwODE0L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.636569768248E+14	Vam002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481254415_1162499918570481_7169791398874175713_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=XOlSecqVtV4Q7kNvgHUt2f2&_nc_oc=Adi-XzlznjZYu0Q3pP2ojrJJzVc3-7NujhcN2FfHfBr8mR_w7YW6_Qt-dTv9S93HjqoBHuJuTtd5zKEYW6n-rxf3&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A3AIX53kCukC1N2T-au6OPH&oh=00_AYCxXALSU4QPVgo7XacaH0W4Rmq9A09Urarcnt5uO5PjLw&oe=67CB395E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"She's not an ex or a bunny, is she?" "What? No. Cora and I went to school together. Her stepfather was my coach in high school. We were friends." "Just friends?" "Just friends. She's probably the only girl who's ever just been my friend. I've known her since kindergarten." Until she wasn't my friend anymore. Until I screwed it up. ____________ Cora The night is busier than usual, and I've run myself ragged trying to keep up in the ER. As a nurse, I don't normally work the ER, but I've had trauma training, and when three nurses called off, I came in. The overtime will be a nice bonus. I'm behind on my rent, and I hope this extra money will help me not only catch up on that, but on the other bills as well. "Cora!" I glance up from my charts to see Mrs. Hesh, my supervisor in the ER, hurrying toward me. She looks panicked. "What's wrong?" "We have several VIP patients coming in. I need your help." "Of course." I close the chart and put it back in the pile I still need to go through. "What do I need to know?" "Several of the hockey players from the Raptors got injured and are being rushed here. We need to make sure they're taken care of straight away and that the team and coaches are kept informed of their status. Can you do that?" "Shouldn't Shelia do that? She's the senior RN. I'm only filling in." Hockey players make me uneasy. Bad past experience. "I don't trust her not to ask them all for autographs. She's a total fangirl." My eyes widen. I didn't know Mrs. H. knew what that term even meant. "And I heard you say you knew hockey." "I do." "Good. I trust you not to lose your mind when confronted by the team." "No, ma'am, I won't." "You may need to wrangle some of the other nurses, too. I'll be busy with the patients." "They're not going to like it, especially the ones who have seniority over me." "Does that mean you can't do it?" The older woman turns and looks me dead in the eye, hers shrewd and assessing. But she can change my status here at the hospital. I'm not going to do anything to disappoint her. It says a lot she's trusting me with this. "I can do it." "Good." We both rush to the ER entrance, waiting for the ambulances to arrive. I pull my ponytail down and redo it, tucking the loose strands of my heavy blonde hair behind my ear. I learned during my first real rotation to always keep my hair up and out of the way. Otherwise, you could get run over in a packed ER because you can't see when your hair is swinging everywhere. It only takes a few moments for the first two ambulances to come screeching into the ER entrance, sirens blaring. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes for two seconds then move forward, meeting the ambulance doors and waiting for them to open. The first player out is Jamison O'Brian. He has a nasty cut to the face, and his leg is propped up and held immobile by the board strapped to it. He looks rough, but not in danger. Dr. Billings waves him off with the nurse standing behind me. I don't remember the guy's name. I'm not down here enough to know everyone. The second ambulance holds a more serious injury. Myers is the name emblazoned on his jersey. His head is a bloody mess, as is his arm, a nasty looking gash that was most likely caused by a blade. That's going to keep him out for a couple of weeks at least, depending on any kind of nerve or muscle damage. He goes with Ava, the other nurse down here from my regular floor. Ava and I are friends, and we both frown at the seriousness of the injury. Ava is a huge hockey fan, but she can be trusted not to lose her mind over treating a player, which is why she's been called out to meet the ambulances. The last ambulance is the one Mrs. H. seems the most concerned with. As soon as the doors spring open and the EMTs start shouting stats, I get a good look at the unconscious man lying prone and bleeding on the stretcher. All the air rushes out of my lungs, and all I can do is stare. No. It can't be. He's in Florida. Not Minnesota. "Cora?" The sharp tone snaps me out of my funk. "Sorry. It's just I know him." "You know him?" We run after the stretcher. "I went to school with him." "Is this going to be a problem?" "No, ma'am. I was just shocked is all. I hadn't realized he'd been traded to the Raptors. I'm good." She nods and we get to work, me helping cut his clothes off, revealing the extent of his injuries. He has massive bruises on his abdomen, which might indicate internal bleeding. There's also a nasty cut along one thigh, and his shoulder is at an odd angle. The doctors twist it back into its socket while he's unconscious. I wince when they do, glad he's unconscious for that. Resetting a shoulder is extremely painful. As the doctors do that, we keep working, helping to clean away the mess so they can evaluate him. The bleeding is stopped, and then he's gone to CT to make sure there was no damage to the brain and to see if he has internal bleeding where the bruising is. I go to check on the next patient, who is currently complaining that he's fine and he doesn't need all the fuss. The doctor and the male nurse are disagreeing with him, but he just gets louder. They do not know how to deal with hockey players, apparently. Or they don't want to upset a VIP patient. Either way, the patient's care comes first, even when said patient is acting like a big baby. "Sit." My tone is sharp and commanding when he tries to get off the table. His brown eyes snap to mine, and I just arch a brow. "I'm fine." He stands up, daring me to say a word. He has no idea he's dealing with someone who grew up around hockey players. "You are not fine. Now, sit down before you fall down." The nurse and doctor look at me like I've grown two heads, but O'Brian sits, a scowl on his face. He might terrify everyone else with that look, but not me. "Don't give me that look. Your leg could be broken, and the more you stand on it, the more damage you'll be doing. Which means longer time off the ice. So stop being a whiney prick and let us take care of you so you can get back out there." "Fine," he mutters, and I shake my head. Hockey players. Mrs. H. stands to the side, a small smile on her face. "Cora, we need you in here, please." I peel my gloves off and don a new pair when I push into the room where Myers sits, growling at everyone. The nurses are all a little too giddy and not really doing their job. Sighing, I push through them, snapping for them to get to work or get out. The low chuckle from the bed catches my attention, and I arch that same brow. "That's a nasty cut, Mr. Myers." "I've had worse." Dark green eyes dance with mischief even with the twinge of pain in them. "I'm sure you have." Ava hustles over, looking exasperated. "Thanks for that. They weren't listening to me." "No problem." Between the two of us, we get him stripped and cleaned, working around the doctors and getting them what they need as well. Soon he's hustled off to x-ray, and Ava and I take a moment to catch our breath. "That was intense." "I forget how surly they can be when they're hurt." "Your stepfather was a high school coach, wasn't he?" I nod, not really paying attention. "So that's how you know so much about hockey." We both jump at the sound of Mrs. H.'s voice. "Sorry, we just needed a moment." "Understandable. Cora if you can go inform the team of what's going on, I'd appreciate it. They're camped out in the waiting room." "And being very loud, I take it?" Her lips twitch, and I know I'm right. Sighing, I push off the wall and take a glance at the charts before walking down the hall to the waiting room. I hear the noise before I even reach the doors. Loud isn't quite the word I'd use. Think of about thirty two-year-olds all screaming at the top of their lungs. That would be the most accurate picture of the noise coming from out there. No fewer than six nurses, male and female alike, are trying to talk above the noise. But honestly, they're not asking about injuries or informing the team about the patients. They're talking about the game. "Excuse me." I make myself louder than normal, but it's not doing a thing to get anyone attention. So I do the one thing I know will get through. I put fingers to my lips and let out a whistle so shrill it hurts the ears. Another thing left over from my high school days. A little trick my stepfather taught me. But it's effective, and every single bit of noise dies down. "Thank you. Now, where is the head coach?" He stands and walks forward. "I'm Coach Baptist." "All three of your players are being taken care of. O'Brian's in x-ray, and Myers and Chandler are upstairs in CT. They're checking for head trauma and internal bleeding. As soon as we know more, I'll come out and let you know." I turn my attention back to the nurses. "You lot have things to do other than stand around out here and gossip. Get back to work." "I outrank you." The snottiest of them grins. "Yes, but Mrs. H. put me in charge. Sure you want to tell her why you decided to pull that snarky little comment out of your a$s?" Her eyes widen, and she turns and marches back through the doors. Idiot. "Well, what are the rest of you waiting for?" They grumble but shuffle off. Which leaves the team to deal with. "Is there anyone else out here who needs medical attention?" A collective shake of heads is the only answer. "Now, I know you're all tired, and anxious to find out about your teammates, but this is a hospital. There are sick people here, and all this noise isn't helping." More grumbling. "I get it, guys, I do, but I swear if you don't settle down, you're going to deal with me, and trust me, ladder drills have nothing on my ire, so please do us all a favor and behave." "Ladder drills, huh?" one player asks. "You know hockey?" "Yes. Now, unless you guys need something, I'll be back when I have more to report." I turn around, and a wolf whistle follows me. It takes me two seconds to have the offender's ear in between my fingers. You'd be amazed at how quickly a man will come to heel with a little pressure on his earlobe. "Ow!" he screeches. "I'm not your honey, babe, or a bunny. I'm Nurse Stevens, and if you disrespect me again, I will have your balls. Understand?" "Yes, ma'am." I turn him loose and give them all a level stare. "Understand?" A chorus of "yes, ma'ams" follow me as I turn around and disappear behind the doors leadings back to the ER. Hockey players. Cora Has it really been only four hours since the worst shock of my life? But my trusty watch says it has. Thank God for all my training, or I might have run from the hospital and never come back. Shaw Chandler. Dear sweet baby Jesus. I never expected to see him again, especially not in Minnesota, of all places. He swore he never wanted to play where it was cold ever again. The southern states or the warmer ones on the west coast are where he wanted to play. It's why I felt so safe moving here. Even though hockey is king in this state the same way football is in Texas, I knew he'd never play here. But then, players don't dictate trades. He might not have been given a choice. And besides, it's not like he'd care I'm here, anyway. We haven't spoken in over four years. Shaking my head, I pull myself together and focus on the patient who needs the nausea meds. Poor man seems to have gotten food poisoning. He's thrown up three times since he got here twenty minutes ago. He's dehydrated, but the IV I put in with the fluids should start to help soon. "Here you go, Mr. Croom. This will ease the nausea." I hand him the tablets and small paper cup. He takes it and swallows the pills down. "God, I hope this stays down." Me too. He threw up on me earlier. Glancing at the clock, a sigh escapes when I see my shift is over. I can go home and forget I saw Shaw Chandler. But the pale stillness of him when he came in worries me. Shaw was my best friend all throughout school, and as much as he hurt me, part of me still worries about him. I always will. "I'm getting ready to leave, Mr. Croom, but Amber will be the charge nurse on duty. She should be by in just a few minutes. Is there anything you need before I go?" He shakes his head miserably, and I smile encouragingly at him. Food poisoning is one of the worst things in the world. "Hey, Cora." Amber shoots me a smile when I walk over to the nurses' station to clock out on the computer. "Watch that one. He's got food poisoning and has already thrown up on me." "Ouch." I wrinkle my nose. I smell like vomit, but at least I have on clean scrubs. I learned early on to keep several extra sets on hand. I give her the rundown on the rest of the patients as I gather my things. "I heard about the hockey mess that came in." "Yeah. Two serious injuries and one very loud, very vocal team." "We've had them in a few times over the years. Takes some wrangling." "I handled it." "I knew you could." She waves me off as I walk around the station. "See you tomorrow!" No, she won't, but I don't bother mentioning that. Amber is one of the nicest people in this place, and I try not to let my snarky nature disrupt her bubbly attitude. It's not until I'm in the elevator stepping off onto the floor where Shaw is that I realize I've even done it. I shouldn't be here. I know it, but I'm worried. He looked so pale. Groaning at my own gluttony for punishment, I walk down the hall to his room. No one is around. He's probably still passed out. He had a nasty concussion, but because of the surgery to repair his spleen, he had to have anesthesia. If I remember correctly, he doesn't respond well to the stuff. It knocks him out for days afterward, so I should be good just to sneak in and check to make sure he's okay. But he's not alone. One of the nurses from the waiting room is standing there, taking photos on his phone. What the... "Just what the heck do you think you're doing?" He whirls around, and his eyes go round. I whip out my phone and text Mrs. H. She's the one nurse I know who will take care of this. "What are you doing?" he asks, voice low. "Texting my supervisor to let her know what you're doing." He looks from the phone to me and then shrugs. He knows he can sell those photos for a few hundred thousand, easy. It's no biggie if he gets fired. He breezes by me and out the door. Oh, he did not! Running after him, I catch his arm and pull him around. "You're not..." "Don't make me hurt you, babe." His tone is threatening, but it doesn't register. All I'm thinking about is those photos. Photos of Shaw when he's vulnerable and unable to defend himself. "You are not getting out of here with those pictures." "You going to stop me, babe?" Without thinking, I grab his phone and slam it on the ground, smashing it in the process. Well, cracking the screen more than the phone flying into little bits and pieces. "You little bimbo!" And before I can dodge, his fist has connects with my face. Everyone on the floor sees it. He seems to notice and tries to run, but one of the hockey guys from downstairs is only a few steps away and snags him. "You okay, Cora?" Natalee, one of my good friends, asks as she helps me up. "Did you hit your head?" The pain vibrating across my cheek is horrible. The bruise is going to be epically bad. My head does hurt, but it's not as bad as the cheek. "She broke my phone!" the offender shouts. "That doesn't give you the right to hit a girl, dude." Mr. Tall Dark and Deadly hockey player doesn't look impressed with the nurse's outburst. Mrs. H. arrives and, seeing my face, rushes over to check it, her fingers gentle on my jaw. "This needs x-rayed." "It'll be fine." I can't afford a hospital bill. Even with our insurance taking care of most of the bill, I still can't afford what would be left. "No, it won't," she rebukes. "Or do I need to pull the same spiel you gave earlier?" I try to smile, but it hurts too much. "Now, is this the man you texted about?" I nod. "Yes, ma'am. He was taking pictures of Sha...Mr. Chandler. When he tried to run, I smashed his phone. I'm sorry about that, but it's the only thing I could think to do. Our job is to take care of our patients, not exploit them when they're unconscious." "He did what?" The voice of the player holding the nurse drops two octaves and turns from soft to hard so fast it would make your head spin. Even those pretty brown eyes have gone so cold and dark, they're nearly black. "She's lying!" "I don't think so." Mrs. H. collects the smashed phone off the floor. "The police should be able to pull any photos from the phone. It's not damaged too badly." The man's face pales. "We'll take care of this." Mrs. H. turns to Natalee. "Get her checked in then off to x-ray. Someone will be by to fill out an incident report, and Cora, don't worry about the bill. You won't be getting one since it's a work-related injury." Her expression dares me to argue, so instead I pull out my own phone and text my babysitter that I'll be later than I thought. At least I don't have to worry about one more bill I can't afford. When I get back from x-ray, they don't take me down to the ER like I expected. They bring me back to Shaw's floor and to a room. Natalee winks when she comes in. "Can't have one of ours down there in the mess." I smile gratefully, knowing she pulled a few strings. This is my normal floor, and I love the nurses I work with up here. "You got some ninja skills, girlfriend." "Ha, if I had skills, I wouldn't have gotten hit." "Yeah, I didn't see that coming either. I was already up and coming over when you snatched Marty's phone, but I wasn't able to stop him. Sorry." I wave off her apology. "How much longer do you think this is going to be? Noah's already up and probably mad that I'm not there to make his breakfast." "How is the kiddo?" "He's good, adjusting better than I thought he would when we moved out here." "It had to be hard on him. When John and I moved here two years ago, our daughter declared us horrible people and said she'd never forgive us." "How'd that go?" "She was five. She got over it when we took her ice skating." I laugh and then wince. "Don't make me laugh. It hurts." "Sorry." She hands me the cup of coffee she'd been holding. "I brought this for you. It's from the stand outside, not the cafeteria. Thought you'd need some caffeine." "Thanks, Nat." "Anytime. I have to go check on patients, but the doctor shouldn't be too long. He has to haul it up from the ER, so..." I shrug. It'll probably be a while longer than she let on. I'll drink my coffee and try not to focus on the man a few doors down from me. The one I shouldn't even have checked on. But I'm glad I did. No matter what happened between Shaw and me, no one deserves to have their photo taken while they're at their most vulnerable. Especially not by the people who are supposed to be taking care of them. "Knock, knock." The hockey player who snagged the nurse walks in. "that looks bad." "I'd say it looks worse than it feels, but I'd be lying." He comes closer, his hands in his pockets. His black hoodie with the Raptors logo isn't nearly as dark as his hair. The stubble on his face gives him a rakish look. He reminds me of a pirate and is way hotter than Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. The man is gorgeous, and he knows it. It's the way he moves, the confidence of his stride. I take a sip of my coffee, careful to blow on it first. "That's not from the cafeteria." "Nope. There's a little coffee vendor outside the hospital. Better than Starbucks." "No sh-it?" "No sh-it." "Good to know." After he stands there awkwardly for a full minute, I decide to put him out of his misery. "Is there anything I can help you with?" "Oh...uh...I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay." He doesn't sound nearly as confident as his stride. He sounds nervous. "I'm good." "And to thank you for what you did." "Not necessary. I'm sorry it happened. I didn't think anyone here would do something like that." "You'd be surprised at what people will do for money." The darkness lurking in his eyes tells me that he's well acquainted with the subject. Another minute goes by, and then his phone buzzes. He pulls it out and frowns at the message. "Everything okay?" He sighs. "My kid has terrorized another nanny. She's threatening to quit." Now that, I smile at. "My son went through three sitters when we moved here six months ago. He was adjusting to a new place, a new city, and sitters he didn't know." "My son has lived here his whole life, which is all of four years. He loves to cause chaos, and the nannies I hire don't like the chaos. I wish he was more like his sister. She's as sweet as can be." I laugh at that, not caring about the wince. "Three- and four-year-old little boys are a handful and take a certain brand of crazy to deal with all its own." "That they do." He smiles, and it lights up his entire face. "I'm Blaine Kirkos, by the way." "Nice to meet you, Mr..." He's shaking his head, interrupting me before I can get the word out. "No mister. Call me Blaine. We parents have to stick together. At least now I know how you handled a room full of hockey players and wrangled Myers and O'Brian. They said you were like a little general, daring them to disobey you." "Hockey players are very much like little boys." "I'm not saying I agree, but..." "But you do." His smile is my only answer. "So, I was thinking I could get you tickets to a game or something...to say thank you for taking care of everyone and stopping that guy from getting away with photos." "Oh, no, that's okay. You don't have to do that." "But I want to." "I work most nights you guys have games." "You could switch a shift or call in..." "Can't call in. Bills to pay and all that." "How about I send you tickets, and if you can come, then you come?" I start to tell him thank you but no when the doctor comes in. He glances at Blaine and does a double take. "Oh, Mr. Kirkos, I didn't know you knew Cora." He winks at me and shakes the doctor's hand. "Just in here checking on our favorite nurse. I'll let you talk to her so she can get out of here and home to her son. I'll be seeing you Nurse Stevens!" He walks out whistling, and the doctor turns to me, one eyebrow raised. I refrain from saying a word, and when he realizes I'm not about to gossip, he gets down to business. My cheekbone is not fractured as they'd feared, but it's going to hurt like crazy. He offers pain meds, and I decline, so he writes me a prescription for Ibuprofen 800 and calls it a day. Once my discharge papers are firmly in hand, I tell Natalee goodbye and waver in front of Shaw's door. Giving in to temptation, I go in and walk over to the bed. He's just as gorgeous as I remember. His skin is darker, pecked by the Florida sun. The blond hair that always made him look like the boy next door is lighter, sun bleached from days spent on the beach. His eyes are a dark stormy gray, and even though they're closed, I can picture them. His body has filled out a lot since the last time I saw him. He's become the man that the boy only hinted at. "Hey..." I turn to see Natalee come in. She's got questions in her eyes, but I shrug, not up to answering them. "How is he?" I ask instead. "In and out of consciousness, which is good, especially with the concussion. Surgery was successful, but he's not going to be on the ice anytime soon. Nasty concussion." I nod. It's what I assumed when they started talking about concussions in the ER. At least he's okay. I can go home and forget about him now. "Tinkerbell?" The hoarsely whispered word pulls my attention to pain-filled eyes. He's staring at me with an intensity that's hard to shake. But I have to. Without a word, I turn and walk out of the room.		Vam002		153	https://www.facebook.com/61552453307075/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2732068	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:42 PM	1740993497	1749876171		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9045AFE9626637B903F2879BDAF64276AF3			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481082681_1302852630962041_5805965901115090519_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_AJDa-HPhQ4Q7kNvgHCruiC&_nc_oc=AdiVoX43hi3pfgrwh0qTQ0aY0lUaNn69mjcsOPaoERLHfURgCcEmHD5jpm5JXxRhhhYH72dZnyh8eLoP0WuaYx8E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYDZI58J2Pczi-cR5LGt7sikeXLZXbEDLtehxblZZTSeMw&oe=67CB4DF4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731369	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/2/25, 1:00 PM	1740993482	1748887254		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481450977_611207671741831_1075262357765852442_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=n9WrJ003J6kQ7kNvgFm5Qqe&_nc_oc=Adj-G6R2uJ_faxOrhax4ZyC7uu4mVZPM_lfGf0kM2Z08l3Jf-CNomOLVEgGOgWLzhPf4At_mS00ZG7z7nFNYQ7rQ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYAt0Mcnp-dtfIUb-rDy6rw3ivo43vLC8T1MHioo01WSVw&oe=67CB5045	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731402	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 12:52 AM	1740993483	1749880345		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F5168A8F4492BA0F8CC38E08FF80C005B3BD1708CD191427			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481261512_1645011482772301_8017617424154677542_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7ZnisMBSkRMQ7kNvgFpaMtg&_nc_oc=Adjow2DAZaXNwc6LQ3YjAPsSe4gNOYkRcb3I3J4puwmebeN-P0RbhTA1fTUpc_nSJq4CBEN4RTUeWRm82vYg0xpn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCsWEP1Z0zdYjyyuQD8_jbzPWz36XygPhu9AMrDYuEQyQ&oe=67CB43A5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732182	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 4:22 AM	1740993500	1746091340		2747																										d1training.com	Get offer			IMAGE	FREE VIP WORKOUT	15 Spots Available	http://www.D1Training.com/			1.8598098606957E+15	D1 Training St. Louis West	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/472718927_616534280714208_3705954973456401460_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Dt4V6kBSEmcQ7kNvgFHvfzu&_nc_oc=AdjULZg-CykpE7ZDmXNaMmfeXwclblkdK8eUFvkWZAJ_2m2qaboBQEs2Fp6W7mayovJOkBbBFwihWdxU96_YgYbu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYDbhUOjlBc4FyEJ3KdArjO-Ws9SQ4iLOGbUZTTyTioR4Q&oe=67CB5421	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		⭐️HEY MEN IN THE WEST COUNTY AREA👇 Have you heard about D1 Training St. Louis West?! We understand starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, but we're here to support you every step of the way. That's why we're offering 15 Men a FREE VIP WORKOUT❗️ D1 Training provides men with customized programming to help achieve your fitness goals. Our 5-Star⭐️ Training Program is based on a Division 1 strength & conditioning program and includes a dynamic warm-up, performance, strength, core & conditioning, and a cool-down stretch. We get it – stepping into a new fitness environment can be intimidating. That's why every workout at D1 Training is led by a certified coach who offers guidance and motivation, creating a supportive atmosphere to help ease any nerves. Our state-of-the-art facility features the same multilayered synthetic turf and top-of-the-line equipment used by top universities and professional athletes🤩 At D1 Training, we're more than just a gym; we're a community. We're dedicated to providing a proven, professional, positive, and peer-supported environment. Click ‘Get Offer’ now and enter your information on the next page to secure your spot for a 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 VIP Workout! P.s. We have 15 spots available, first come first serve. Don't let nerves hold you back – take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!		D1 Training St. Louis West		2517	https://www.facebook.com/D1STLWest/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731937	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 12:10 AM	1740993495	1749877838		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481276619_1161723502281760_8251884465964819134_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oY7-gwxlwN4Q7kNvgFM3i3B&_nc_oc=AdidBL9XeVScdRNdOUeOUEMpO0SsuKgBSPiaOctFudjaWYp2YUdhBxLNYQqx7NezQWHOTyWCRWwtgbWDphHqSP6E&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AriH3wDfLHZ8MNYwQ3s-7E9&oh=00_AYBgg8rvy8-2JIFN8EKqIPaTihUWnHWp5oJh8ln4yL_Vaw&oe=67CB269C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731670	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 7:54 AM	1740993489	1746968051		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481240993_980234447413493_5498695911961637948_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YPwJ5u8OM2UQ7kNvgENvqxI&_nc_oc=AdjLZoeoyvjUHQDfpqBwtbxmBXmbo475nqhLCihPU7LN3KTHBd3M8FqJqvOOE8lMgja7zOkuHud-RLNoZ1tPUND7&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AK7tuKphtqFza4frzh0vx9h&oh=00_AYBr9Bs-vwTrwupLN_dCoBcrmkQjU8tqTpRruqpyDIo0uQ&oe=67CB25A9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731915	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:33 AM	1740993494	1749882802		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481357763_1855327601670327_3085762432453542708_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m3SRC7lgSkYQ7kNvgF3pHOZ&_nc_oc=AdgMeXzlUxX3SeRu4NnoVcvI5fXRFbT-wYYgg9juUh72sO_-S5iCRfSaeZnw5zNbmLsgtU7Afm-mLpG1yqJNfSp8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxoaVqaYGjGmZZ3U-_N_00s&oh=00_AYA0p8y0B6NHFRmNWQd3hizD6yn2sa-46qk0g4P6iUci7Q&oe=67CB53BC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Judy’s POV Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731885	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:48 AM	1740993493	1746974911		2747																										helpbreath.com	Learn more			VIDEO	"The sharp pain I had in my feet is gone…I truly feel like it’s a prayer answered!”		https://helpbreath.com/ZX-US/			2.2683398259856E+14	TrimNourish Living	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481046387_2024772951348558_4139714386389264905_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sYkDtI_qkGUQ7kNvgGSQRBe&_nc_oc=AdhJ01fPdFs2zDaP5_bAP5oBXw6vAEFk3UZrTRFbES9R2wQw-qOzHzTm10M7c3Vg69HVtC8dTEsw_E5XSi6sVEL8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDHf4o3TOGdl1Y-z6zbkrxIb0h0-Etr25Vis_8ToTJ1bw&oe=67CB52A4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"If you’re having trouble relieving symptoms of burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy in three hours, or even make it go away after three days?"🦵		TrimNourish Living		65	https://www.facebook.com/61550987567369/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732007	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:46 PM	1740993496	1747014387		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO	Read next chapter		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-1211-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=295122&accid=323832117319912&exdata=BF1BBD4F003F9803E8519267181FDD021FA070E8A8DF210F			1.0306790582554E+14	Love Story Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481047906_1195465348772491_6030532521735683277_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Q0MkAMYaXiwQ7kNvgHBrCtL&_nc_oc=Adicd8_CLsgXj5CvYQOGO--nh1gne0WeF1bUd00fwiBwU6sXXUiaNUhsZYl0YNVTFZNuebTSnOBK1SRSfb1pA8wl&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYBR3mqjkqLdhIDPfNGGjxBFfnTQ8HqOXsJxU-4dmdIbnA&oe=67CB3039	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Love Story Now		25596	https://www.facebook.com/100083950326074/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731777	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:25 AM	1740993491	1746969905		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16084322en-fb-x613-en-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=BDE970862A40C45BCE8D2AAA767A52421D88832E847E28E8			3.8074603846233E+14	TV short	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481118639_638023102499938_7859449790820215808_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L7ePlbpl3OYQ7kNvgEUOrBD&_nc_oc=AdiLYiJL1gaTVFveCf5azPkT-DAi_X4WBNAru3yFERlFBZd-XA1AyJb15NFjqkz64tKnjx8Xsk_QolvO4JGrUz2Y&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYANnIPlcSP84-EQcEOd6PSG_HijlAwcAo0V4vsnPV1t0g&oe=67CB3E55	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fifteen years ago, Evan, a genius boy and heir to the esteemed Bailey family, was taken in by the Harrison family after losing his parents and enduring torment from their son. Luckily, Evan's four stunning aunts—each possessing unique prowess as a powerful warrior, celebrated actress, miracle-working doctor, and successful business tycoon—found him, showering Evan with love. Together, they orchestrated retribution against those who had wronged him.		TV short		4385	https://www.facebook.com/61564918915033/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732001	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:28 AM	1740993496	1746970099		2747																										www.onecompress.com	Learn more			VIDEO	combat foot neuropathy pain while sleeping - NEW product available now	100% natural | free shipping | 60-day money back guarantee	https://www.onecompress.com/products/bamboofootsleeves			1.0070842496458E+14	One Compress	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481101617_1173999034081202_8068957369912476343_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2MYRbmVWklQQ7kNvgH02XoN&_nc_oc=AdhU7gG688h0TQek95so7MOQqtFQNoIL5S5gJVYfuyUpT1sLKaM8pZDzIhXB7Ql4xKsM3YMHEp_VkoDgqE1yCgPP&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYDsetgFh46nl9DiYbUA_PyW9FUWTqAYpXr1e_xhMUqaPg&oe=67CB44BC	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"Combat foot neuropathy pain without medication" ✅100% natural ✅Effortless ✅Fast-acting NEW Bamboo Anti-Fatigue Socks that combat foot pains, neuropathy, swelling, diabetic foot and more while sleeping... 1. Superbly Soft - Luxuriously soft and only gets softer everytime you wash it. 2. Thermoregulating - Warms you when it's cold and cools you when it's hot. 3. Native Freshness - Wicks moisture and prevents bad odor 4X better than cotton. 4. Naturally Anti-Bacterial - Natural micro-gaps make it extremely breathable, bacteria-free and hypoallergenic. 5. Eco-Friendly - Water consumption is 66% less than cotton and produces 10X more output per acre. "Learn More" for Exclusive Coupon Code: 👉 onecompress.com/bamboofoot		One Compress		7929	https://www.facebook.com/100066420470751/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731534	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 3:57 AM	1740993486	1749891432		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481297931_573221662422283_7990893090558223731_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9Tc_xGa4tv8Q7kNvgHsXr38&_nc_oc=AdhTVbYDgLARvx59NnMyXCIgEF6cDvdTEgcqjm242WPSrQxpkRqfzkBkqxHuVe7VQpJjMCftX__hkni4aznoMrFn&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYCkWOUHdDjAmE0kEdIBCOyYU17M76Gjog11w-oYHpvw1g&oe=67CB4101	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732204	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:39 AM	1740993500	1746970759		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480959036_1348836286251473_3405653345503509413_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N_LmLUJzk3UQ7kNvgH5G8tH&_nc_oc=Adhc7WfpbyX7kLjadqi7tszl8vpQWA0h3DGTwsBYCHGxGVpNKJ1iHRkpv-d9W48Ep8PKaAIKiIvg9tmvIEmQ1ObZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYA2kBUXjB_5f_0Ix4LYniTTcs4NjWZCH-6S1Aje5BFWzQ&oe=67CB4B9C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732192	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 2:21 AM	1740993500	1749885674		2747																										curcumin.manna.com	Learn more			VIDEO	Is Liposomal Curcumin the Ultimate Anti-Aging Weapon?		https://curcumin.manna.com/blog/c?cid=5&affid=569&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&fbc_id={{adset.id}}&h_ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.127013803598E+14	Manna Health	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480902728_1584290802962316_6410367088781330620_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QyaB76jh9YkQ7kNvgGh7vCE&_nc_oc=Adg9FIATYRbzVsrMHdKH8KMlXm6j0kAMo1XSHPmRPaZDnF21I0fGgTvUMW3uNyQKdW5nhG3_Q4i5A4od2lXHHuzS&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AF-2yOXxt6SdDN6U8DQQiz6&oh=00_AYABLjgO_TxK-siagSBIfCB2_q7yyY-K_I-7r3O_N7hQEg&oe=67CB509A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I used to suffer from joint pain and inflammation for over 15 years. I tried countless turmeric and curcumin pills—even with black pepper—but nothing worked until I discovered Manna’s Liquid Curcumin. It’s been a true game changer for me, and I’m finally able to ditch liver-damaging pills like Aleve and Advil. I simply mix just .7 tsp with a glass of water each morning, and within a week, I started to feel the difference. Plus, it tastes amazing! Here’s what I love about it: 🔥 Fights inflammation naturally 🧯 Eases joint and nerve pain ❤️ Trusted by over 150,000 users 🇺🇸 Made in the USA with professional care ✅ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee 🚚 FREE Shipping See results or your money back—no questions asked. Ready to experience relief? Get started HERE today! What’s your experience with curcumin?		Manna Health		124696	https://www.facebook.com/mannaboost/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732246	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 3:45 AM	1740993501	1749113146		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	⏰Wake up! It's Novel Time!		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481764018_1181752546892236_8532474512396955428_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X1V92vvScBUQ7kNvgEMWvZR&_nc_oc=Adix3R8n4z2Hbmkv6Qgvkkl5xlwzxt66Uryjm8j2hXqwiw-pcwSIpn4stajHFkmvfg0wGh84TKHdzwFdIGfWPuBN&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYCVZSAiYTy0JexFijghzHHwlIdbGrbc71ldSvNouQ5LaQ&oe=67CB40AA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731781	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 8:50 AM	1740993491	1746971448		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Click here to watch the full episode		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=677db51b4b143c5a8007f0f1&chapterId=dubrwhl7xz&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=25247865436%253A1813&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.0416667929055E+14	Reelshort-Video stories	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480922701_649273210889858_7615516820048658770_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=__lbGSVfutkQ7kNvgGQH0uP&_nc_oc=Adh2Wb_KvIPgnKxKxtrUNZ91bV3_Gb97ubecTRU1jQm7UBsby54-tCgTYEOI7juCOJ5FCfpzLfetcDUO0x_Y6mt_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYAvuYBBEhriQFgFVu6NP71whYzQUM5-7Uh_cNwUz3X6wQ&oe=67CB516E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		After Erik, the biggest tech hotshot in all of Silicon Valley, gets sacked by his CEO's son William, he joins forces with Evelyn, the beautiful CEO of his old company's competitor. This causes his former employer to go bankrupt, and when William realizes he's fired the wrong guy, it's already too late...		Reelshort-Video stories		618217	https://www.facebook.com/100090841033078/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732070	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 2:50 AM	1740993498	1749887425		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE9044EB9D6915083F85BF09B9CE98364D4C6			4.3495677969207E+14	Popular novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481906412_614045174733141_2213830467326652530_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4BN4lUoqWBkQ7kNvgHCaQi5&_nc_oc=Adi2chX3hmFpi46tud01yfQrSrRKM0kow-LbXYO5T2k0vL9f06ZO4As96hz0nXTr-bIujh6sv4bx_pc_tkYeEEFc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AhSh6qGJPuKZno-OdiLJGGn&oh=00_AYAoYmNgX9-GmaG-SRHNWSCxGbvaXPYQQnt6JNjY9E0eDg&oe=67CB2F04	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Popular novel		536	https://www.facebook.com/61564650855444/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731586	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:02 AM	1740993487	1746972178		2747																										a.letsreadnovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://a.letsreadnovel.com/ad/bGV0c3JlYWQvNDQzNzkwLzIwMjUwMjI4MTYxOTAxL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.9336549052626E+14	ForFun-120	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481218736_1579487345886441_1691066952373037789_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KOeOEK0ki38Q7kNvgG_YyuA&_nc_oc=AdiyPf0IvnDSkxMYXuPXvZZHWBPn2TqQMq68eHAUQ-MZb6B99k-wuTbNUD_1gs87NSAUjw7ducCitvf0mcNA2JTM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYCqaihbpKvcLLtHGtrZ7_mVzUcp0oTUJrk5XFHw-RUkIA&oe=67CB54B6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		His triplets were coming home. After 10 years of searching, 10 years of obsessing over little dead end clues, he finally had them back. "Hello I'm miss Jessie Moore, is this Rafael Romano." "Well Mr Romano I'm from social services in Ohio and I'm calling regarding Alexander, James and Skye" Rafael's permenant glare darkened "dont you dare" he was cut off though "I'm sorry sir but they were brought in a few days ago, a DNA test was done and it matches yours, would you like to take custody" "I swear if you're messing with me" Rafael practically growled. ____________ The siblings were given the all clear from the doctors, they had no life threatening injuries just severely bruised with extensive scars. A week past and once the police visited and took statements from the boys since Skye wasn't willing to talk to them, a social worker came in. "So your DNA was run through the system and we found some family in New York" she said excitedly. Alexander wasn't happy about this. "We are okay on our own" he spoke with no emotion. "You're still a minor kid" the police officer said. "Will they know about this abuse sir" James asked. "Yes" the officer said. "Please can you not tell them, we would like to be the ones to inform them, we don't trust easily and we want to make sure they are nice to us before we tell them our secrets, sir" James said quietly, hoping to get his way by showing emotion. "We don't have a choice I'm afraid, besides what are we suppose to say when they ask where you have been" the officer said sadly. "Please don't tell them, sir" Skye whispered with so much emotion it made the police officer a little emotional "they will want to know where you were" he said "Tell them were were in the foster system and their was a car accident so we ended up in the hospital " Alexander said. The police officer looked at the social worker who didn't know what to say. This was totally against protocol but the children were so afraid and especially Skye that they couldn't help agree. "I only mentioned to their father that they ended up in hospital. I thought it would be best to explain what had happened in person, it could work " the social worker said to the officer. "He will no doubt want hospital records though " the officer said still in doubt. "Not necessarily, by the time he wants them I'm sure they will be comfortable enough to have told them the truth. They have just been discharged so he won't have to sign any papers" "We could get into trouble " "Maybe but he said he would come pick them up as soon as possible " "Fine. We will not disclose this information but it would be wise to tell him when you feel ready too" the officer finally agreed. After that they were taken to the social workers office to wait for the arrival of their father. They had been given fresh clothes and allowed to shower at the hospital so they almost looked like normal kids. They even had their hair cut, it had been nerve wracking but it needed doing. The bruises on their face had almost dissapeared, the social worker had said she would tell him that they got it from the car accident. Earlier Rafael had been in the middle of torturing some fool who thought he could steal from them, when his phone rang. He cursed as he looked at the unknown caller. Usually he wouldn't anwser especially when he was torturing someone but this time he did. He wiped the blood splatter from his face with a towel and headed out of the room to take the call. "Hello who is this" he asked. "Hello I'm miss Jessie Moore, is this Rafael Romano" "Yes. What do you want" Rafael asked harshly, he wasn't happy that a woman he had never heard of was calling him. "Well Mr Romano I'm from social services in Ohio and I'm calling regarding Alexander, James and Skye" Rafael's permenant glare darkened "dont you dare" he was cut off though "I'm sorry sir but they were brought in a few days ago, a DNA test was done and it matches yours, would you like to take custody" "I swear if you're messing with me" Rafael practically growled. "No sir, they are currently in the hospital but should be out in a day or so" "Why are my children in a hospital" Rafael asked. "It would be best to speak in person. Would you like to take them in" "Yes. Send over the details and I will be there as soon as I can" he said then proceeded to give the social worker his personal email. That evening Rafael went home in a somewhat good mood. His triplets were coming home. After 10 years of searching, 10 years of obsessing over little dead end clues, he would finally have them back. Lorenzo was telling off Marco and Nico when Rafael entered the house. "What is going on" Rafael demanded. "These little shits decided it was a good idea to take my car out. It's scratched all the way along the side now...it will be coming out of your allowance" he explained, telling the two boys the last thing. "That was very reckless of you both. You will both loose driving privileges for a week" Rafael said knowing Lorenzo would fully handle it as it had been his car. Rafael couldn't care less about the car at this moment. "Lorenzo with me, you can deal with them later" Rafael said glaring at his sons. Lorenzo nodded also glaring at his brothers as he followed his father up to his office. "What is it father " Lorenzo asked once inside the office. "I had a phone call of a social worker today" he said taking a seat at his desk. He began turning on the computer to access his emails. "Did the boys joyride get them in trouble with the police involving social services " Lorenzo asked. "No, they found the triplets" Lorenzo was speechless when he heard this. He remembered everything about them, he had been 13 when they were born and 17 when they were taken. "Are you sure this is real" Lorenzo asked knowing the amount of people they had punished for telling them thought found the triplets or trying to pass themselves off as one. "A DNA test confirmed it. I'm flying out later on" "Very well. Would you like some company" Lorenzo asked. "Yes, I'll be getting Leo to make them some rooms up" "Okay where are they now" "Ohio I'll have their location exact when I get up the details. Go inform our pilot that we will be going to Ohio and send in your brothers" Lorenzo nodded and left. Not long after there was a knock and once Rafael said enter, the others walked in. "What's up father " Leo asked, being summoned was never a good thing especially since he had been summoned to the office with his idiot brothers. "The triplets have been found and I will be going to collect them soon. Yes it is them, a DNA test has been done and I've just received a copy of the results through an email" Rafael announced. "Why do they have to come back. It's been 10 years, send them to an orphanage" Marco snapped. Rafael was furious. He was about to speak his mind when Leo spoke "how dare you, we ought to send you to an orphanage simply for your lack of respect. I suggest you apologize for your comment. Right now" he said, his tone was calm but it had an undertone which promised nothing good. "I'm waiting Marco. I suggest an apology before you really do cause me to loose my temper " Rafael spoke. "Ugh fine I'm sorry" Marco said not wanting to anger his father. "I wonder what their favourite colours are. God I've got so much to do, I wonder if the mall is still open" Leonardo said voicing his thoughts. "What are you talking about Leo" Nico asked. "Their rooms of course, I need to get them ready" he paused and turned to his dad "I can do that right? Whilst you go get them" "Yes but hold off on customising them to much, they can do that themselves" he said. "got it" "Can I help" Nico said happy that his brothers and sister were coming back. He didn't remember much but he missed them. Rafael and Lorenzo walked into the social workers office. The only knowledge they had was that they had been in the hospital. They couldn't help but enjoy how everyone ran away in fear or stopped talking as they went down the corridors. They finally reached a reception. "I'm here for my kids" Rafael said to the receptionist. She gulped when she saw Rafael and Lorenzo. "Name?" She asked. "Rafael Romano" Rafael said. She typed away for a second and then nodded. "I have notified their Social worker of your arrival. She will be here shortly, can I get you anything whilst you wait" "We are fine" Rafael said. It only took a few minutes for Jessie Moore to come down. She gulped when she saw the men and she worried for the children. This probably wasn't the best option for them but they were family. "Good afternoon Mr Romano we spoke on the phone, I'm Jessie Moore, the children's social worker" she introduced herself. "You said they were in hospital, what happened" "They are okay Mr Romano, it was a car accident but the hospital released them and so if you follow me we can go meet them. I do have to warn you though that they are very nervous " Jessie proceeded to lead them to her office. She walked in first, she had told them before she left to get them that their father was here. "It seems your brother is here too. Anyway kids meet your father and brother" she told the kids and allowed Rafael and Lorenzo to enter. Alexander and James were sat with Skye in the middle of them, they both were extremely protective now they were meeting now people. Lorenzo analysed his siblings, an emotional expression on his face. Alexander saw what he was doing and did the same back. It took Lorenzo a little by suprised. Where did his carefree bubbley siblings go? "Hello children, I'm Rafael your father " Rafael introduced. It was still blunt but he managed to not sound so angry. "And you are?" Alexander asked looking at Lorenzo. "Lorenzo, your eldest brother" Lorenzo said with no emotion. "You have all grown up so much, can you introduce yourselves" Rafael asked, still being rather blunt but Lorenzo was a little suprised as this was considered 'kind' for his father. James looked at Alexander who glared at the two men. "What kind of father doesn't know his own children's names" Alexander finally said. Lorenzo wasn't happy with the disrespect but said nothing because the social worker was still in the room. "I do know your names, judging by your attitude, you are the eldest, Alexander, which makes you James. And you Skye" he said turning to each sibling as he said their names. Lorenzo was silently happy Alexander had been put in his place. "Why don't we get started on the paperwork. Of course I am aware you live in New York so this case will be transferred over and a house meeting will be scheduled in the next month or so. It's nothing to worry about, we just need to check on the kids for their own welfare" Jessie explain. "Very well" Rafael said. Jessie smiled and grabbed the paper work from her desk drawer. Rafael was busy looking through it and signing it, with Jessie explaining stuff that he wasn't paying attention to his children. Lorenzo and Alexander were still glaring at each other. Lorenzo finally had enough and sat down besides Alexander. He whispered lowly "I suggest you cut out the nonsense. We don't accept this behaviour, it's rude and disrespectful" he warned. Alexander gulped. He automatically went into protective mode and turned his body to face Lorenzo meaning his body was also sheilding his siblings. "I suggest you bare that in mind. The only reason I am going to look past this is because the social worker is here, next time I won't be so nice" he continued before getting up like nothing had happened. "Right we are all set. Thank you for contacting me" Rafael said as he and Jessie said goodbye. He then turned to his kids "lets go" Rafael was a little taken back again when he watched, Alexander made sure he had hold of his siblings hands as they followed him out. He presumed it was out of instinct to protect James and Skye from them, they were practically strangers to the siblings. The car ride was silent. James was lost in thought whilst, Skye laid her head on Alexander's shoulder as he stroked her hair. "You can sleep if you're tired Skye" Rafael said looking in the mirror as he checked on his kids, he noticed Skye looking extremely tired. Skye didn't know how to anwser so she looked up at Alexander in hopes he would do it. "She will sleep when she's ready" Rafael nodded "very well, I suppose it is best for her to stay awake another half hour whilst we get to the plane" he said. Lorenzo looked up from his phone and looked back at the siblings. Skye in particular looked terrible, she looked as though she would pass out any second. His focus then solely went to James who was looking out the window lost in thought. And then to Alexander, the boy was clearly very protective and got a bit too defensive at times. It was annoying really. Alexander and James were quick to note their family was rich when they finally boarded the plane but Skye seemed to out of it to acknowledge how rich they were. Despite being in the hospital she had only slept a little due to passing out from exhaustion. That was 5 days ago. She would pretend to sleep at night so they didn't sedate her. "She needs sleep" Lorenzo stated as he watched how Alexander and James helped her to her seat. Without them she would probably have collapsed. On the way to her seat, Skye tripped and due to how malnorished Alexander was he wasn't able to stay standing when she fell into him. Knocking them both over. Lorenzo smirked when he saw. James automatically tried to help but Lorenzo simply rolled his eyes and walked back over. Rafael had purposely not gone over, instead he had nudged Lorenzo to go because he saw Lorenzo wasn't pleased with them. He wanted to get Lorenzo talking to them. "Clearly you are all too incompetent to even find a seat. You two go sit" he said the last part to the two boys. They refused without Skye but he sent them a deadly glare "now" he ordered. Skye nodded at them to go, not wanting them to get hurt because of her. They reluctantly took the closest seat, both ready to get up again if he did something to her. Lorenzo felt them staring at him but ignored it and helped Skye up "as soon as we get in the air you're going to go have a nap" he told her as she stumbled. She shook her head fast. She couldn't sleep, especially on a plane with two strangers. There was no where to run. Nowhere to hide. "It's non negotiable, you can't even walk you're that tired" She tried to walk to prove him wrong but she was too tired and everything went dizzy. She almost fell again. Lorenzo sighed and picked her up. Alexander was quick to react, but before he could say or do anything, Lorenzo had placed her back down, this time in the seat next to Alexander. "When did you last sleep" Rafael asked. Skye looked to Alexander. "Skye isn't a fan of hospitals so it's effected her sleeping whilst we have been there " Alexander calmly said so they couldn't see it was a lie. "Well that's understandable but Skye you need to try get a bit of sleep" Rafael said looking at his only daughter with concern. Something Lorenzo had only seen a few times. Alexander and James were worried about Skye, her sleeping habits were bad. "She's going to try" Alexander said looking at her in concern. "Very well" Once in the air and the seatbelt sign went off, Lorenzo got up and walked back to them. "What are you doing" Alexander asked instantly. Lorenzo rolled his eyes "we all just agreed she needs sleep. Come on Skye" he said. "No" Alexander said as Skye nervously undid her seatbelt. "Excuse me?" Lorenzo said not liking Alexander's behaviour. "I said no. You're not taking her from me" he said with panic. He couldn't let her get hurt. Lorenzo rolled his eyes and picked up Skye. She normally would have freaked out but at this point she couldn't concentrate and wasn't fully aware. She was exhausted and sitting down on the chair was probably the most comfiest thing she had sat on before and so it drained her further. Alexander and James jumped up and followed Lorenzo."give her back " Alexander said. "Let her go. Let her go Please just let her go" he was frantic by now. Rafael was quick to jump in "boys it's okay, you can go with him, he's only putting her in the bed. We have a bed for long night journeys. He's only going to put her there so she can sleep easier" he spoke, concerned at how they freaked out. Again he played it off as a stranger taking away their baby sister. James nodded but Alexander was quick to follow Lorenzo. He watched him carefully as he placed her down on the bed. By this point she had passed out as he had been carrying her. "You are protective I get it but don't you dare yell at me like that again " Lorenzo warned and left. Alexander let his walls falls, a tear ran down his face. Everything was a mess. "It's going to be okay isn't it" James whispered after entering the room. "I don't know. How could we let her reach the point of exhaustion" he said angry with himself that he hadn't taken care of her proper. "She's sleeping now though Alex" James replied. "Yes but I doubt we will be on the plane for long. We need her to sleep more" He replied. "Are we in trouble for how we just acted" James asked, he was scared to go back out. Alex thought for a minute."I don't know, why don't you take a nap too" he said fully planning on taking whatever punishment they give before they could get angry with James. "But what about you" James asked. "I'm fine" Alex replied. James usually would say no but he was tired and didn't want his sister waking up alone so he agreed. Alex waited until James was asleep which didn't take long, before quietly leaving. He rather stay and watch his siblings but he needed to get the punishment over with before they woke. Whilst all this was going on, Rafael and Lorenzo had been discussing what had just happened. Rafael had scolded Lorenzo for walking off without talking to Alexander. "I will not have him speak to me like that" Lorenzo said. "Well next time calmly explain where you're taking her. He's obviously very protective of his siblings, it's admirable really. You need to remember, they have no idea who we are, we are just strangers to them" "Fine" Alexander entered and took a seat. "Where's James" Rafael asked. "Taking a nap too" "That's good, maybe you should have a little nap as well" Rafael replied. Alexander looked at his father, suprised he hadn't lashed out yet but then it hit him. Rafael obviously wanted him to fall asleep so he could punish his brother and sister for how he acted. Not a chance would he let that happen. "Okay how about you ask us some questions. It's obvious you don't trust us which makes sense since you don't remember us so ask away" "Why do we not live with you" Alexander asked. It had been on his mind since he had been told they had a family Lorenzo and Rafael shared a look. Rafael didn't seem to be replying so Lorenzo anwsered "you were kidnapped when you were 4, from a birthday party one of your friends was having " Alex nodded. It made sense. Those people who had them were criminals, they had connections. But why kidnap three 4 year olds. It didn't make sense. "You say you're the eldest, how many of you is there" Alex asked. "Three more brothers, Leo, Marco and Nico" Lorenzo replied. Alexander managed to keep his emotionless expression up, inside he was freaking out though. Living with 5 other men. Would they make him do dope runs? Would they threaten James and Skye? They looked even more stronger than the men who hurt them, how bad would their hits hurt. What will they have him do? How bad will the punishments be? He was already making a plan to keep his siblings safe in his head. He wouldn't let them get hurt like that. He had been failing as a brother recently. He should have just said thank you for the bread and that man wouldn't have touched Skye like that. He would need to be extra careful, Lorenzo kept warning him about disrespect, just like they had done. He would need to try harder not to be disrespectful. And then a new worry, Skye would freak out. James would probably hide it but he'd be a mess too. He knew he couldn't leave them alone with 5 others in the house. "Do James and Skye speak" Rafael said finally snapping out from reliving the awful nightmare, the day his triplets were taken from him. "They do but they are shy" Alex half lied. Sure they were shy but they had been beaten to the point where they feared to speak. "So I presume this means you will be speaking for them" Rafael asked. "Most likely. I want to apologize for the disrespect I've shown you both so far. I'm just very protective of them and you guys dont seem like the warm and friendly type" Alex said getting in a small insult. "It's understandable and I will give you time to get used to us but then any disrespect will not be taken lightly but we will give you a few days to settle in" "A few days?" Alex asked suspicious of why they were given time."yes a few days. did you expect me to summon you to my office after we have eaten dinner to give you all the rules, perhaps about how you can only talk to us and no socialising with kids your age" Rafael said with sarcasm so heavy even Alex could tell he was being sarcastic. Alex didn't even expect dinner though so that confused hin. Alex realized he probably meant after he (Rafael) had finished eating. Of course he wasn't going to feed James, Skye or his self. He made a mental note that when given food to say thank you and be greatful. He wasn't going to make that mistake again. "Well you could give me the rules now, saves screwing up" Alex needed to know the rules or he would overthink every little thing however he knew they would add more rules just to have them break it so they can punish them. " Respect. We all, especially Lorenzo and I, expect you to respect us. That means no back talk, no insults, no cheek. In return we will treat you with just as much respect. Secondly we appreciate you are teenagers wanting to try new things but you are 14, no alcohol, dopes or smoking" Flashbacks of what they made him do were brought back at the mention of dopes. Maybe they wouldn't use him to deliver dopes if they were telling him no dopes. Or maybe they just don't want him getting high when he's suppose to be selling it. "Apparently you were home schooled, however the new school year starts in two weeks so we will be getting you enrolled there. I expect you to put in effort, if you do poorly its not the end of the world, we will get you a tutor, any slacking off though is no accepted, you will respect your teachers and peers." Alexander slowly nodded. They had never been to school. When they were younger they were taught basic things, they were able to catch on quick. But Alexander worried about his siblings, he not only had to protect them from their family but now a whole school. "That brings me on to my next rule, you befriend whoever you want just no relationships just yet, you are too young at the moment" Alexander nodded shuddering at the thought. He knew what guys were like, he would need to keep a careful watch on Skye. "And finally if we ask you to do something, you will do it" Rafael finished. He hadn't meant this in such a bad way but Alexander took it as a bad way. "What happens if we break the rules" Rafael knew Alex would probably have a hard time being respectful. "we will talk about it and why you broke the rule before we give out punishments. I have a feeling you will struggle to be respectful out of protectiveness for James and Skye which I will accept but if you don't have a valid reason that's when it becomes a problem" Alex nodded. He would try his best and would make sure his siblings knew. "I'm a busy man so most likely Lorenzo will deal with the punishments" Rafael said. Lorenzo looked up from his laptop. He had took to doing some work whilst they talked. He smirked when he heard the sentance "if you would like an example, Marco and Nico stole my car and got it scratched, they have now had their cars taken from them and they will be working at the garage in town for a month" Lorenzo said. Alexander didn't think that seemed too harsh. Maybe they wouldn't beat them up as punishment. What if the garage wasn't a car garage but a torture place they called a garage. Yes he was an overthinker. "Anyway we will give you a few day, go wake your siblings up we are landing" Rafael said ending the conversation.		ForFun-120		201	https://www.facebook.com/61554751622817/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732101	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:04 AM	1740993498	1746972253		2747																										website.metronovel.com	Learn more			VIDEO	😎Click here to Read on More Spicy Chapters👉		https://website.metronovel.com/share/middle_new/lv2jyrpkmxi3aioozhlfmsnj?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			3.5900779063621E+14	Love stories and books	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481959932_1628493514453537_7991842608284935745_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zjbseZjR-VYQ7kNvgHWVt_3&_nc_oc=Adinu9T9pUyu4nIdXeOBUHlNxjGqNWINhRLY0WLPzSxEuwYq-78y_w1FWUoUmhLCLrhbSlbQ_MpJskRQ_UfeHxuf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOMxfFrmfrHC-bM-4xHwYWW&oh=00_AYADeQKKfveCt6IZyAfmEdXzDVniIpb6LPSPH3YCKV2cdA&oe=67CB32D4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."		Love stories and books		70	https://www.facebook.com/61563510724242/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731384	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/10/25, 1:40 AM	1740993483	1749537603		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480573219_642566611521065_6057727656887611545_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=YDJIclRwo70Q7kNvgERNIf2&_nc_oc=AdjEeMApzo1zSAD6EOmqBURvFQ6nnZ7h_voJGYgcExTNwpNGQ-uLIFfHNUJkG-_ZFSLS8-AtRvddvMySeDgBy6RZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYCOQfijF68HvHCvFFOftusgX2Ebe56qAkXOkcfE2dsOcQ&oe=67CB4FED	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732228	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 7:22 AM	1740993501	1746102175		2747																										rochesterhills.chirovoucher.com	Sign Up			DCO	90% OFF Chiropractic Wellness Package 👉	Limited Time $27 Vouchers	https://rochesterhills.chirovoucher.com/27-5904			9.1380166874298E+14	Vitality Precision Chiropractic 248-897-0699	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481830485_992106932982174_6978420788628077724_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Hslw6nadUDQQ7kNvgFXcE2M&_nc_oc=Adg7ZLrYzXB87P9FRKo9PMM8JvFGUffLGIjadtkPx4x769Rbek2yhIgC8HaEhWHiw24ToWSSomDgqvdZ9nYpRTWy&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A1eRDkXuY6PNJhTqNQ8kgsp&oh=00_AYAwzT1M1NJ5UFgszb3WKJFe_uZXTK5SfchBvcA2HOK6Iw&oe=67CB39C1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Rochester Hills, Vitality Precision Chiropractic is the leader in corrective and functional chiropractic! We are here to help further your health goals! We've seen amazing RESULTS such as: 💪 Reduced Joint and Back Pain 💪 Reduced Headaches, Migraines and Stress 💪 Strengthened Immune System 💪 Improved Balance and Posture 💪 Increased Athletic Performance This month we're offering 30 New Patients 90% off our on-boarding Wellness Package. For just $27, you will receive: 💥 Consultation and Orthopedic/Neurologic Exam 💥 ALL necessary X-Rays 💥 Doctor's Report of Findings 💥 Lowest Price We’ll Ever Offer ⚡BONUS: ACT NOW AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL GIFT FROM US. Click to find out further!! Hurry, these 30 vouchers won’t last long... **BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW** 👇👇👇		Vitality Precision Chiropractic 248-897-0699		1455	https://www.facebook.com/VitalityprecisionchiropractorRochesterHills/	0		SIGN_UP								View Edit Delete
2731808	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 9:16 AM	1740993492	1746972993		2747																										greatnerves.club	Learn more			VIDEO	No more Neuropathic foot pain...		https://lp.greatnerves.club/67b8a8d05d0a44eda9be0a30?sub1={{ad.id}}&sub2={{adset.id}}&sub3={{campaign.id}}&sub4={{ad.name}}&sub5={{adset.name}}&sub6={{campaign.name}}&sub7={{placement}}&sub8={{site_source_name}}&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid			1.5740493745756E+14	Debbie Taylor	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482344274_1531733731546954_7297958316186461951_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=L7o7_EmxlDUQ7kNvgFJkN4F&_nc_oc=AdjXqs83r-NyHuCVZdJWMdpsA4ngN9pm4uM7LM1F2_z7EW6BRcvao9tlYmNDmilQISw0lo0DziZO79J5xn--TaO9&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYCmMpWCW-L4_5HnUC-VhO9_H9NL_M6XhiIojt3WR71Q5A&oe=67CB472F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Here’s why I threw my neuropathy meds in the trash… After years of constant numbness, burning pains and pins and needles in my feet and my hands… My Doctor prescribed me pretty much every med out there and all they did was make me tired and drowsy! I was so fed up… Fed up of the tingling pain… Fed up of the expensive meds… Fed up of constantly feeling down! And that’s when my husband stumbled across a video he saw in his feed which revealed the root cause of nerve pain… And how the meds I was taking can actually make the burning and tingling worse… not to mention the terrible side effects?! I sat in shock as I watched the short video taking it all in… and then to my sheer delight, the video revealed a 15 second method which erased burning and tingling in just a few days… without any need for meds! So, I wasted no time in trying this 15-second method… Me and my husband went down to the local store and grabbed what we needed… Literally minutes after doing this method, I instantly noticed a difference… it was so weird… and for the first time in years, I managed to get a good nights sleep without waking up in pain! I carried on using the method for the next 7 days, and sure enough the burning and tingling reduced more and more until day 8 when I had no burning or tingling whatsoever… the first full day of no pain in as long as I can remember! And now 3 months on, I haven’t experienced any pains at all and I now tell everyone I know who suffers from the same about this 15-second method… in fact I’ve linked to the very same video I watched a few months back below… Tap now and prepare to be amazed!		Debbie Taylor		241	https://www.facebook.com/61553076994345/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732058	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 3:34 AM	1740993497	1749890089		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA6982DF9071D0506CB7182884F4DC05F5F8B8			4.5085442144821E+14	MoboReels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481971473_1205337847777999_2747877115832737997_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZS90aOxNFbgQ7kNvgF6EcE7&_nc_oc=Adh-4j7gjwQ3kiK1rDFPw76X-eh4swZwj2W_koquObz9Q9q__hQIITWm6icUYdhGhAcLZpjp0iNfpGGhoYW9HDAg&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYAWu9y9eGCqPhzn9gvzxktuNB0igMzXD5NQw433NTNT6g&oe=67CB35BF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		MoboReels		5370	https://www.facebook.com/61566964050936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731666	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:15 AM	1740993489	1746976512		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052189.html?language=en&timestamp=1740755049948&channelCode=DALPF1052189&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.1982400121905E+14	DramaBox- drama movies5	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481099794_1021326336508445_427369009103485095_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=X1Q4eYIC9wcQ7kNvgHWhkO5&_nc_oc=Adjm450sNhx5PRjeRTlLxOeM-2Iv4sXRaCROwBbusyFUNzpsYgsbH0F_lqyj2reUSd0U3NDTH2otSN4tA43VvoE0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYDWVeWd7OkWi9fFTdgvg1n3prV7tSkNLQdYnhHKWPHjIA&oe=67CB2DB8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies5		12693	https://www.facebook.com/61550943223936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732237	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:26 AM	1740993501	1746977216		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481672855_2921375304709817_982181565961406177_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IOoGO5MRUZkQ7kNvgF7EVp3&_nc_oc=AdhuR4K4WT108Lcdp0Hpeh6z_6ZsyH0IDQGFtAGFerqUA630TKQP8Ot34X3oPyRKQXRTnbecJBm-5ZZpUvsk6JR2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ACrxAfEG5JNH79Saas07g6L&oh=00_AYDFxnX6e1v4sqkGfMn9MDjzCga_y8hl5VvYA5F0gnq4_g&oe=67CB28E4	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		778	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731472	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 9:26 PM	1740993485	1746152807		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481355470_660406293020140_8193826218000144678_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DnwEAHJcjkEQ7kNvgGzY9gi&_nc_oc=AdhNIN5wJpVLBh__vwmtamhyvf4iA3Jf9VnvI6_0HtrxCDYxtHtimzWOss_k2hRAAu9JDUhqR4rDbDhrx2LewIrT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBfzzJA2__d_icRJb_bO18Ci2K7OTo65gSvXkkWQdD2cA&oe=67CB465A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731660	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:40 AM	1740993489	1746981641		2747																										page.joyreadings.com	Learn more			VIDEO	📚The Deadly Assassin Robin 👊💴		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=8824&brand=2&app=0&ppid=5873&pid=FBW2A&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&pixel_id=816574679413893&ori_campaign_id=120217123775800283&ori_adset_id=120217123776250283&ori_ad_id=120217123778560283			3.0551689932266E+14	Wonderful novels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481765164_946042467645784_7027605012511774069_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=s9WnrbBy8GsQ7kNvgGNdcH_&_nc_oc=AdiFmARNg858j2SGE_iBZyTnHrPwRCKMDQCVHPAbFp0mMAtWvbjclXB97_GYolKwoL9jKtEQVKkFiIQmkLb1R6Vx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYCBRZod2OzWYMPrg6koEf57e8raZrkRbhv0ljcYaCfevQ&oe=67CB4A19	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The worthless son-in-law, who was humiliated by everyone, became the world's richest man and the military king of the world overnight! Everyone was stunned !👊😡 ------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 Dragon Dagger "Old Fred, if you keep this up, you're going to end up dead in some woman's arms!" Robin Ramsey remarked, eyeing the aging man in front of him. Old Fred brushed off the lipstick smudges on his face, looking bewildered. He fished out a credit card and handed it over to Robin. "Robin, this leopard-print card is packed with cash—there's a few trillion dollars on it! "Plus, I own high-end properties in major cities worldwide. You can stay at any of them whenever you like. "And lastly, here's a gift from me ... " Old Fred began to say, but then he exclaimed, "Oops! Not that!" He pulled out a piece of black lace lingerie from his belt, realizing it was the wrong item. After a moment of fumbling, he finally produced a curious short dagger. "This dragon dagger has been lost for fifty years. I'm giving it to you now. It's not just any dagger—it has the power to ... "Uh, never mind. Someone will reach out to you at the right time. Just wait for them in Draconia. "Robin, once you wrap up your engagement back home, just ... " Old Fred tried to continue, but four exceptionally attractive women with striking figures came down the stairs, ready to usher him away. "Old Fred, stop stalling! We're all dying to get going!" "Don't worry. Your dedicated disciple is so skilled that even demons fear him. He'll be fine!" "Ah!" Moments later, Old Fred's distressed cries echoed from the upstairs bedroom. Robin glanced towards the second floor, shrugged, and slipped the leopard-print card into his wallet. Leaving Old Fred's house, he hopped into a cab for the airport, examining the dragon dagger. The dagger's intricate designs shimmered like a dragon exhaling mist and clouds, radiating a powerful aura. The golden scales glistened in the car's dim light. After over twenty hours of flight, he landed in Harmonfield, Draconia. The bustling economic hub on the eastern coast was gently blanketed in the soft snowfall of the setting sun. Robin reviewed the engagement contract details. After a quick check, he took a cab to the Miller Group Building in the heart of the city. Old Fred had mentioned that Robin's fiancée, Alice Miller, was part of a match arranged by their grandfathers long ago, before either Robin or Alice were born. Robin had spent many years with Old Fred, who had never spoken much about his own family despite him asking many times. Robin had learned medicine, developed his skills, and mastered the art of combat under Old Fred's guidance. Recently, Old Fred had taken him to Fricana. From that point forward, the blood-soaked and chaotic mercenary battlefield welcomed a new force, one whose very presence sent shivers down the spines of all who heard their name—a figure feared across the globe, a true bringer of death. Moving like a shadow, this individual remained elusive, earning the codename "Dragon Dagger." ...... Robin gazed at the now-yellow engagement contract, lost in thought. "I wonder what my future wife will be like. Is she beautiful? Kind?" He spent the ride imagining what Alice might look like. After thirty minutes, the cab arrived in Harmonfield's city district. Robin rolled down the window and took in the city lights, feeling an odd sense of familiarity. But then he sensed an imminent danger approaching. Robin was focused forward, alert, and ready. Crash! A screeching of brakes and a jarring metallic crash suddenly pierced the quiet night. A battered Porsche, wrecked in a collision, hurtled directly towards Robin's taxi with alarming speed. The taxi driver, frozen in terror, was unable to move. Robin quickly seized the steering wheel with one hand and yanked the handbrake with the other, executing a sharp, skidding maneuver. The taxi narrowly missed a direct collision with the two out-of-control vehicles, with a gap of less than a millimeter. Bang! After a brief pause, the stillness was shattered by a gunshot. From behind the barricades, four armed men emerged from a BMW SUV. Two of them brandished their weapons at the onlookers, while another dragged a wounded woman from the Porsche, pressing his gun to her head. The leader, a bald man, shouted to the bystanders, "Get down!" Bang! A shot rang out, striking the forehead of the bravest soul who tried to intervene. The crowd erupted into screams of panic. Everyone hit the ground, too terrified to raise their heads. Robin, seated in the taxi, observed the scene through the window. Under the cold glow of streetlights, snowflakes whirled violently. The blood staining the snow from the wreckage cast a sinister shadow over the city night. In the dim light, the woman's tall, striking figure was unmistakable, even though blood marred her elegant features. Her exceptional beauty was evident, even in such a state. At that moment, the robbers noticed Robin still sitting in the car. "Get out of the car now! Hands on your head and get down!" one of the robbers shouted, aiming his gun at Robin. Robin offered a detached smile, ignoring the armed men, and slowly rolled down the window. He fixed his gaze on the hostage woman. "Let her go!" His voice was calm and firm, cutting through the icy, desolate atmosphere with a piercing intensity. The robbers' hands holding their guns trembled. The terrified woman, Shirley Dunn, turned her head and caught a glimpse of Robin's calm, enigmatic face, her heart racing with confusion. Shirley, the heiress of Harmonfield's leading family, the Dunns, and the current CEO of Dunns Group, had never encountered someone so composed and strikingly handsome. This man confronted a gang of ruthless criminals with such unwavering calm. "You're gonna die today!" The robber, momentarily shocked, growled and pulled the trigger. "No!" Shirley screamed in terror, closing her eyes and crying out in desperation. A frigid wind swept through, causing trees to sway and branches to quiver. In an instant, the scene erupted into a frenzy of chaotic light and swirling dust. The snowstorm intensified, turning into a blizzard-like whirlwind! After the gunshot, the world plunged into total silence. On the disordered street, only Shirley's solitary, disheveled figure remained. People's eyes scanning the area soon noticed the four robbers lying lifelessly in the pristine snow. The rapid events felt almost surreal. If not for the sight of the robbers' bodies on the ground, it would be hard to believe it had really happened. The four robbers had been killed with a single strike to the throat. Their blood trickled down their necks, steaming faintly in the cold snow! "Shirley, are you ... are you alright?" A white-haired elder from a speeding Mercedes rushed to Shirley, worry etched on his face. "Grandpa, I ... I'm ... fine!" Shirley finally regained her composure. She clung tightly to her grandfather, Drake Dunn's, arm, her body still trembling uncontrollably. Her anxious gaze followed the taxi as it vanished into the snowstorm. Although she couldn't see the face of the person in the car, the chilling sense of death lingered, filling her with overwhelming fear. Drake surveyed the robbers' bodies, wiped sweat from his brow, and instructed, "Quickly, alert everyone in the Dunns to find the young man from that taxi immediately! "Even if we have to search the entire Harmonfield, we must locate him!" Chapter 2 A Heavy Blow Robin left the chaotic scene in a taxi and made his way to the Miller Group's headquarters. The Miller Group was in the midst of their annual New Year's celebration. The front of the building was lined with an array of luxurious cars, and festive decorations brightened the place, creating a jubilant atmosphere. Inside the lobby, a crowd of prominent figures from Harmonfield mingled. Robin, dressed in casual clothing, looked out of place among the elegantly attired guests. Despite his unassuming appearance, the doorman allowed him entry. In today's world, many wealthy young people like to dress down and blend in, making it difficult to distinguish between the wealthy and those less fortunate based on appearance alone. Robin made a beeline for the buffet table in the grand hall. After enduring a lengthy flight, he was famished. Ignoring the curious stares of other guests, he loaded his plate with a generous amount of food, grabbed two glasses of red wine, and began to eat with great enthusiasm. "Is this guy here just to eat and drink?" "I thought he was some young man from a prominent family, pretending to be humble at the Millers' party." "Look at him—he's eating like he's never had a meal before." "Probably some low-level freeloader trying to crash high-society events for a bit of luck." "Why is this imposter even here? Someone needs to tell the staff to inform the Millers' manager and get him out!" ...... It wasn't long before Robin attracted the attention of the partygoers. Chris Miller, the Millers' head butler, approached Robin amid whispers of disapproval. Seeing Robin devouring his food, Chris's face showed irritation. "Sir, could you please inform me if you were invited by the Miller Group to this New Year's event?" Robin continued eating a large steak, looking up briefly as he said, "I wasn't invited by the Millers. I'm Alice's fiancé, here to honor our engagement." His announcement caused an immediate stir of disbelief! So, he's just a freeloader after all! How dare he claim to be Alice's fiancé! It's utterly absurd! Alice, the striking CEO of the Miller Group, was a major figure in Harmonfield's business world. The wealthy suitors, influential officials, and eligible bachelors vying for her attention could fill half of Harmonfield. And here was this man, in shabby casual clothes and eating like a street beggar, making such claims at the Millers' prestigious New Year's party! "How dare you!" Chris's voice was icy. "You insolent fool, I'll overlook your ignorance this time. Leave now, or I'll make sure you regret it!" The guests in the hall looked at Robin with mockery, laughing heartily. "Is this guy out of his mind? Spouting such nonsense at the Millers' New Year's party?" "How could Ms. Miller have such an unworthy fiancé?" "He should take a good look at himself! How pathetic, haha ... " Robin, still chewing his steak, looked up at the mocking faces around him. He shot Chris an irritated glance and said, "Who are you to tell me to leave? I'm Alice's fiancé. Let her come out so I can speak with her." Chris, momentarily stunned, responded with anger, "Kid, if you want to know who I am, I'll tell you! I'm Chris Miller, the head butler of the Millers!" Robin paused, a small smirk forming on his lips as he replied, "Oh? Chris? So you're one of us. Perfect. Now, take me to my fiancée." "Damn! This guy is not only poor but also completely out of his mind!" The guests in the hall suddenly became more animated. "How dare he call Mr. Chris, the head butler of the Millers, by his first name! This guy's got some nerve!" "Everyone knows Mr. Chris is a martial arts expert. Very few people in Harmonfield would dare challenge him." "It seems like this kid is about to get thrown out!" Chris sneered, "Kid, do you have the courage to repeat what you just said?" Robin looked at Chris with a puzzled expression. "What? It seems like you're having trouble hearing. I'm your future employer. Do you not understand what I'm saying?" Robin's remark sparked another round of laughter from the guests. "This guy is something else." "He actually sees himself as part of the Millers? That's hilarious ... " At that moment, Chris's face turned a deep shade of red with anger. He roared, "You've got guts, kid!" In front of so many important figures in Harmonfield, being publicly insulted by someone like this was unacceptable. Chris swung a powerful punch at Robin. He put all of his strength into the strike! Robin momentarily paused, looking at Chris with bewilderment. Seriously? A butler daring to strike his future employer? Is he trying to get himself fired? As Chris's punch came crashing towards him, Robin casually deflected it. Chris immediately felt as though his fist had hit a solid steel wall. He stumbled backward several feet. Robin looked at Chris with contempt and shook his head. The laughter in the hall turned into shocked gasps. The head butler of the Millers, Chris, had been effortlessly knocked down by this seemingly insignificant young man! No one had expected this apparently clueless youth to have such skill. Chris was also deeply astonished. He had put all his strength into that punch! He was sure that very few in Harmonfield could withstand it. Yet this kid had effortlessly countered it! Was it just luck, or was I too careless? At that moment, a dozen security guards from the Miller Group stormed in with stun sticks. "What's happening, Chris?" Chris, still furious, pointed at Robin and ordered, "This scoundrel dared to create a scene at our New Year's party. Tie him up and break his legs!" The security guards immediately surrounded Robin. Robin sighed, understanding the Miller Group's intentions. "I've already claimed to be their future employer, and yet they're sending so many low-level goons to hassle me." Want to test my abilities? Fine, let's see what you've got! As the security guards raised their stun sticks to confront Robin, a figure suddenly dashed past them. In an instant, they felt a heavy blow to their necks. Within seconds, the guards were unconscious on the floor. Robin glanced at the pile of guards and said, "You guys are too weak!" The scene left everyone in the hall screaming in shock. What just happened? No one had seen it clearly. Chris, observing from the sidelines, furrowed his brow. This kid is no ordinary person! At that moment, another group of security guards rushed in from outside, ready to join the fray. A commanding voice cut through the chaos. "Enough! What are you all doing?" The hall fell silent as everyone turned to see a stunning young woman descending the stairs from the second floor. The woman was slender and graceful, with a face of remarkable beauty. Her bright eyes shone with a cool, regal presence. This was Alice, the CEO of the Miller Group! Chapter 3 I'm Your Fiancé "You're Alice?" Robin pushed through the gathering crowd and took a good look at Alice. Alice frowned, struggling to understand the intentions of this unfamiliar person, and responded coolly, "Who are you? "This is the Miller Group's New Year's party. How dare you make a scene here! "I suggest you leave now before you really upset the Millers!" Robin was momentarily surprised. She seems quite assertive, but there's something compelling about her icy attitude. "Alice, I'm your fiancé. I've come to honor our engagement today. So, when can we go to City Hall to finalize the marriage?" Laughter erupted throughout the previously silent hall. This guy is seriously amusing. "What are you talking about? If you keep making absurd claims here, I'll kick you out!" Alice retorted sharply. A man standing next to her stepped forward and declared sternly, "Who is this fool? How dare he sully Alice's reputation!" "Step aside!" Robin pushed past the man and moved closer to Alice. "Alice, I really am your fiancé. Here's the marriage contract that my grandfather and your grandfather signed." Robin presented a yellowed parchment to Alice. The guests at the party gasped in astonishment. "Wow! A marriage contract?" "This guy has some nerve. He must be desperate!" "Trying to attach himself to a powerful family with such an outdated approach?" Alice's eyes narrowed as she examined the contract in Robin's hand. She could feel her hands trembling slightly. The handwriting and signature were unmistakably her grandfather's! Zachary Gill, the man beside Alice, scrutinized the old paper with a shift in his expression. A scruffy kid daring to compete for a woman with me? He must be out of his mind! "A marriage contract? Do you really think such an antiquated document has any relevance in today's world?" "Haha, kid, do you think you can deceive Alice with a fake marriage contract?" Zachary gestured to a few of the Gills' bodyguards. "Throw him out!" "Wait, Mr. Gill!" Alice interjected, taking the contract from Robin. She examined it carefully, her brow furrowing in concentration. She had indeed heard from her grandfather about an engagement. She hadn't believed it was real! Looking at Robin, he didn't appear wealthy or influential at all. "What do you do for a living? Where's your family?" Alice inquired and probed. Robin shrugged. "I'm currently unemployed. My family is probably no longer around." Laughter and derisive comments filled the hall. "A jobless drifter, huh? Haha ... " Alice's eyes flashed with disdain. How could a man like this, from the lower echelons of society, ever be worthy of me, Alice! I'm destined to be a queen-like figure, akin to Daphne West from Alphacrest Group! "This talk of marriage contracts is pure nonsense!" A middle-aged man stepped forward to stand in front of Alice. He spoke harshly. "Kid, get out of here immediately. We don't welcome you!" This man was Alice's father, Jeffrey Miller. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Miller!" Zachary greeted them with a friendly smile. Jeffrey's wife, Juliet Miller, returned the smile with genuine warmth. "Oh, Mr. Gill, I'm so sorry you had to see this." Her pleasant expression quickly faded as she shifted her gaze sharply toward Robin. "A marriage contract? How dare you try to fool us!" "Do you even know your position? Do you think you're good enough for my daughter?" Chapter 4 Do You Think You're Good Enough? Robin, noticing the disdainful expressions on Alice's family members, felt a surge of frustration. He had come to honor a promise made by his grandfather not to endure condescension based on wealth and status. With Old Fred's card holding at least two trillion dollars, he believed he didn't deserve to be demeaned by the Millers! "Enough of this!" Alice interrupted, her face etched with frustration as she cut off her family's barrage. Turning to Robin, she continued, "Today is the Miller Group's New Year's party, and my grandfather is overseas receiving medical treatment. "We'll discuss the marriage contract after the party, once we've had a chance to reach my grandfather. "We honor our promises! "Since you have the marriage contract, I won't ask you to leave immediately. You can stay and eat to your heart's desire. "But keep this in mind! "All the attendees here are prominent figures in Harmonfield, and they are our honored guests. You are not on their level and should not interrupt them, understood?" With a cold glance, Alice tossed the marriage contract back at Robin and walked toward the stage. Zachary sneered at Robin, saying, "Kid, know your place. Eat what you want, and leave afterwards. This isn't where you belong!" The crowd's laughter and derision were palpable, and their gazes towards Robin were filled with condescension. Robin felt a wave of revulsion. Alice's sophisticated face now seemed repellent to him. Eat to my heart's desire? Do they take me for a beggar? "I have no interest in your mediocre party. Please have your grandfather give me an answer immediately," Robin said, remaining unmoved with a shrug. Alice stopped and turned to face him, her expression one of exasperation. "Are you trying to force my hand?" Robin's smile remained indifferent. "You're mistaken. With your appearance and attitude, you're not worth me forcing your hand." Alice's anger flared. No one had ever dared to insult her so openly. She glared at Robin and quickly dialed Hank Miller's number before putting the call on speakerphone deliberately. "Grandpa, today at our New Year's party, a man named Robin showed up. "He has a marriage contract based on an agreement you made with his grandfather. What's that about?" On the other end of the line, Hank hesitated. "Alice, it's a long story. "Shortly after I began my business, I suffered an investment failure that nearly ruined the Millers. "I sought help from everyone I knew, but no one came through. "As the Millers faced collapse, Robin's grandfather offered a lifeline, lending me a million dollars to save the business. "At that time, you and Robin were not yet born. "To express our gratitude for saving the Millers, I arranged this engagement for both of you." Alice's frustration was clear. "Grandpa, I don't want this!" Hank was silent for a moment. "Looking back, I realize I acted hastily and made a poor choice. "The Ramseys have been out of the limelight for years; their current status must be less impressive. "Now, the Millers have risen significantly and hold a prominent position in Harmonfield. "Since you refuse to accept this engagement, I can't force you to do something that would upset you." Alice hesitated. "Grandpa, are you saying ... that we can annul the engagement?" Hank sighed heavily on the other end of the phone. "I acted too quickly back then. If you're unhappy with it, then annul the engagement. "But the Millers must uphold some degree of courtesy. "The Ramseys are no longer in a strong position. We'll return the one million dollars Robin's grandfather lent us to properly close the matter." Alice's frown immediately faded. She shot a cold look at Robin and handed him a check. "Did you hear that? This is Grandpa's response! "We're not on the same level, so let's dissolve the engagement. "This check for one million dollars is your compensation! "Remember this! From now on, there will be no further connections between the Millers and the Ramseys!" Robin glanced at the engagement contract and then at the arrogant Alice. He smiled. "Fine! I hope you Millers won't come to regret this!" Zachary sneered, "Regret? Haha ... You're just a minor player. The Millers will never regret anything because of you! You must be dreaming! "Get out! Leave right now!" A cold light flickered in Robin's eyes. Alice sniffed dismissively. "Go on! I don't want you to make things more uncomfortable here. "I suggest you don't try to get back at Mr. Gill. You'll never measure up to him! "This one million dollars should be enough for you to live comfortably. "With your background, don't aim for anything beyond your reach. Find a modest woman and settle down. "And remember—I will never regret ending this engagement!" Robin looked at Alice's contemptuous face and tore the engagement contract and check into pieces, tossing them into the air. Chapter 5 Apologize to Mr Gill Right Now! Alice scoffed quietly to herself, thinking, "Some people just can't let go of their pride and end up paying the price. He'll regret this decision when he gets home!" At that moment, a commotion stirred at the entrance to the hall. The crowd parted to make way. Drake Dunn and Shirley Dunn, accompanied by Andrew Dunn, made their entrance. Andrew discreetly pointed out Robin to Drake, saying, "Mr. Dunn Sr., Mr. Ramsey is over there." Drake's eyes brightened as he quickly moved toward Robin. The guests, who had been mocking Robin, fell silent in astonishment upon seeing Drake and Shirley arrive. "Mr. Dunn Sr. and Ms. Dunn are actually here at the Millers' New Year's party!" The Millers' expressions changed to delight as they rushed forward to greet their distinguished guests. Jeffrey approached Drake with evident excitement. "Mr. Dunn Sr., Ms. Dunn, it's a tremendous honor to have you at our New Year's celebration!" Alice also smiled, giving a slight bow. "Mr. Dunn Sr., Ms. Dunn, welcome! Please make yourselves comfortable!" Drake's face remained stern as he ignored Jeffrey and Alice's flattery, making a beeline for Robin. Earlier, Andrew had confirmed Robin's presence at the Millers' party and notified Drake and Shirley. They had waited for the opportune moment to make their entrance, as they saw that Robin and Alice were still handling matters regarding the engagement. When Robin tore up the engagement contract and the one-million-dollar check, Drake and Shirley exchanged relieved glances. Their understanding of Robin deepened. The Millers were oblivious to Drake's simmering anger. The arrival of the Dunns had completely captivated the Millers! The Dunns' significant investment in the Eastvale Ecological Project, worth hundreds of billions and set to launch next month, was highly anticipated. The Millers had long sought to secure a stake in the project but had struggled to connect with the Dunns. Now, with both Drake and Shirley, the key leaders of the Eastvale project, present at the Millers' New Year's party, it was a golden opportunity for them. Over the years, the Dunns have graced only a handful of high-profile events in Harmonfield. It was almost unthinkable for them to attend a second-tier family's New Year's party like the Millers'. The Dunns were the most influential family in Harmonfield, controlling a major portion of the city's resources. Even the mayor of Harmonfield showed them respect. The party guests were equally thrilled. Being in the same venue as the Dunns was a prestigious event. Such an occasion would be a major talking point for these second- and third-tier families. "Mr. Dunn Sr., the hall might be a little noisy. There are private rooms on the second floor ... " Jeffrey and the Millers' entourage followed Drake and Shirley respectfully. Drake replied curtly, "The Millers have set their standards too high. We don't need to go to the second floor. I'm just here simply to look for someone." Jeffrey hesitated, unsure of Drake's purpose. "Mr. Ramsey, I apologize for the interruption!" Drake approached Robin and bowed deeply. "I'd like to invite you for a drink at my house." Robin was momentarily surprised and responded nonchalantly, "I'm not interested in visiting, and I don't enjoy drinking with others." With that, he turned and headed towards the exit. The Millers and the party guests were left stunned. Mr. Dunn Sr. invited Robin to his home? How could that possibly be true? In Harmonfield, only Henry Wright, the mayor, and Daphne, the CEO of Alphacrest Group, command such significant respect. Did Mr. Dunn Sr. mistake him for someone else? Robin is just a lowly individual dismissed by the Millers. How could the Dunns possibly invite someone of such insignificant status to their home? It's astonishing that Robin had the nerve to flatly reject the invitation! Is he too intimidated to accept? "Stop right there!" Zachary shouted, his confusion turning into anger as he confronted Robin's retreating figure. "How dare you speak to Mr. Dunn Sr. like that!" he fumed. "Get on your knees and beg for Mr. Dunn Sr.'s forgiveness now, or I'll break your legs. You worthless scum!" Robin stopped and slowly turned around. "Were you talking to me?" "Of course! Who do you think you are—" Zachary sneered. Before Zachary could finish, Robin grabbed him by the hair and forced him down with a firm grip. Thud! Zachary's knees gave way, and he crashed to the floor, hitting the marble tiles hard. The pain made him wince and twist his face in agony. "How dare you hit me! I—" Zachary's eyes blazed with anger as he tried to stand. Robin had publicly humiliated him in front of many elite figures from Harmonfield. Even worse, the Dunns' daughter, Shirley, was right there! Zachary wished he could take revenge on Robin immediately. Smack! Smack! Smack! Before Zachary could protest, Robin slapped him three times, each strike leaving a mark. "Do you think I'd hesitate to go further? Do you?" Zachary covered his face, falling silent and filling his eyes with fear and disbelief. "Robin, you've gone too far!" Alice's voice was cold and cutting. "I understand you're upset about the engagement being called off, but this? "Resorting to violence to prove your point? "What can someone like you, from such a modest background, do except act violently? "Apologize to Mr. Gill right now! "If you do, I might still be able to plead your case with the Gills, so you can leave Harmonfield safely. Otherwise—" "Otherwise what? Hmph! A pampered brat like you stands no chance against Mr. Ramsey. You've already been defeated, so what more could you possibly do?" Shirley interjected, her gaze icy as she addressed Alice. Alice was at a loss for words. "Ms. Dunn, h-he struck Mr. Gill at our party ... " "So, are you saying your family is defending Zachary?" Shirley's tone was cold. "If that's the case, we won't hesitate to wipe out both the Millers and the Gills!" Alice was stunned, unable to grasp why Shirley was defending Robin. The Millers and the guests were in shock. What is happening? Why are the Dunns' supporting Robin? Jeffrey stammered, his voice trembling. "Mr. Dunn Sr., Ms. Dunn, please calm down. Are you certain this boy isn't deceiving you? "He was just rejected by the Millers! He's a lowly figure!" Drake's expression darkened. "Mr. Ramsey is a respected guest of the Dunns! How dare the Millers allow Zachary to insult him repeatedly! Do you think we are lenient?" "A distinguished guest of the Dunns?" Jeffrey's face turned pale, and he nearly collapsed. Drake, the leader of Harmonfield's most powerful family, radiated an overwhelming sense of authority and menace. The guests at the party suddenly realized the intensity of Drake's anger. Aren't Mr. Dunn Sr. and Shirley here to attend the Millers' New Year's party? Why are they taking a stand against the Millers? Alice, Jeffrey, and the Millers were dumbfounded! What is happening? We have never crossed the Dunns before, so why are we facing such hostility? Faced with Drake and Shirley's threats, they dared not question further. Drake approached Robin and pointed coldly at Zachary, who was on the ground. "Mr. Ramsey, just give the word, and we can make both the Gills and the Millers disappear without a trace!" 📚The Deadly Assassin Robin 👊💴		Wonderful novels		1765	https://www.facebook.com/61561332737079/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731693	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:43 AM	1740993489	1746981828		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481215066_971176631341452_1330768296779886779_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=O5M67_HKt-4Q7kNvgGR4doB&_nc_oc=AdjY-ODbMpiGe-3sebF-0vVHKPRUXH2BVpkVHSzFXlIxnSHerlJApKkZR8O8qeRSrCOfQ9Yugaf-P_gVGNgXciZY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYDB7k_sbnTn_UgQbnGQ6C9fLdPsENn2E1Ij6GRKYJmPdw&oe=67CB508C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731778	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 12:19 PM	1740993491	1746983982		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16084322en-fb-x613-en-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=851109&jump=0&exdata=BDE970862A40C45B917F3EC967833CD52CC07B21033759EC			3.8074603846233E+14	TV short	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481458717_1142082050520946_4945006780965110171_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZSYeCon3TgMQ7kNvgE-MsLF&_nc_oc=AdgsaF8oLCsu33XsVSUsmyPUAgjziYpxqnLxNXwioeDnaP6RRePI6bEulr31-R2W_KZVb8AA9ACywD1T_WFFfCF-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A9NmoXbVyG7IaXNxF8EFdhr&oh=00_AYCEM5q4IjKIuXBFz6hXiWfcOOF0xCnWsaSvk2BgUx9XqA&oe=67CB48B6	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Fifteen years ago, Evan, a genius boy and heir to the esteemed Bailey family, was taken in by the Harrison family after losing his parents and enduring torment from their son. Luckily, Evan's four stunning aunts—each possessing unique prowess as a powerful warrior, celebrated actress, miracle-working doctor, and successful business tycoon—found him, showering Evan with love. Together, they orchestrated retribution against those who had wronged him.		TV short		4385	https://www.facebook.com/61564918915033/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731487	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 9:29 PM	1740993485	1746152975		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481226641_1397627418033589_6912281329643044198_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-vDjQEzRhd8Q7kNvgGl_uG5&_nc_oc=Adg1XPENGOlfOlsHvFS3_sBC-98JBYHJCjLaunrZaG3UIbzJBdCiCOw5sh8I1ObU9NoVybKzjXUtguoOsx_FbQxo&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYDsqx59n5vm4rr8oz7YKQ3MLKW4MQNFnf5IJNiNYJbCDg&oe=67CB31B5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731438	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 5:01 AM	1740993484	1749636112		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	Are You Truly Healthy? Grab your exclusive $27 Bridge Wellness Spa First Visit Pass	185+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews	http://fb.me/			1.0107303953128E+14	Bridge Wellness Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/470065747_1141450180937020_5915159134282068223_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WeXQEAE4rcwQ7kNvgFWU6pz&_nc_oc=Adi19xhkhLHHqrpxh4fvg4Nu6js4k5tprO6bEaK22PFJNt8RHIxh6uRvq2KWA9MVQQqvowrupT_G12cxj_GcBtpG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDmAs4JqH2vobOETFHofXHlqdpJy-4j1g1cudD94SZjVQ&oe=67CB4010	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		👋 Hey Phoenix friends and neighbors! Feeling stressed, tight, or just need some time to rejuvenate? We get it — the body and mind deserve a break. 🌟 Get An Ultimate Relaxation "First Visit Pass" for Only $27! 🌟 For a limited time, come in and enjoy your first visit to Bridge Wellness Spa for only $27. 🧖‍♀️ This First Visit includes access to: ♨️ Infrared Sauna – Helps detoxify, reduce stress, and relax your muscles ❄️ Cold Plunge – Boosts circulation and promotes muscle recovery 🛁 Hot Tub – Relax and unwind with soothing warmth 🔴 Red Light Therapy – Promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health 🦵Compression Boots – Enhances circulation and reduces swelling Why You'll Love It: ✅ Increased energy and stress relief ✅ Reduced inflammation and improved circulation ✅ Detoxified body and deep relaxation Whether looking to ease muscle tension, recover from a workout, or just enjoy some self-care, we've got you covered. Here’s what our clients are saying: "I was nervous about the cold plunge, but Tiffany made the whole experience amazing. With support from the group, I overcame my fear and left feeling more energized and revitalized than I have in years! I’ll definitely be back and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their mental and physical health. I’ve never felt so relaxed! The combination of treatments left me feeling energized and at peace. Highly recommend Bridge Wellness Spa!" – Gabrielle ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎁 Special Bonus: Founding members can unlock an exclusive lifetime membership rate! Click the “Learn More” button below to grab your exclusive $27 First Visit Access Pass and schedule your wellness escape today. Spots are limited! ⏳🏃‍♀️		Bridge Wellness Center		253	https://www.facebook.com/bridgewellnesscenteraz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731478	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 5:33 PM	1740993485	1746138827		2747																										cookchiropracticcenter.com/neuropathy	Learn More			DCO	🚨Special: $49 Neuropathy Exam and Assessment	{{product.description}}	https://www.cookchiropracticcenter.com/m/neuropathy			1.9498767352557E+15	Cook Chiropractic Center	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481136865_411597888702820_1089767704975424346_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4o-ZU18qHj4Q7kNvgGFQ7jB&_nc_oc=AdhhFsMOn1HOf7eEcCQjDG_RoALPcPEW_0PGVM3FwkEcwqsY0g3LrwwV5z1_gEvc3NKtblEVlxg3Aobx2sPyIVu2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYC9M10UKIgsDolQEMT4Bm0vbM92tEJxQJvZQCat1jK4nw&oe=67CB2717	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		For just $49 (a $300+ value), get a comprehensive Neuropathy Exam and Assessment with Dr. Philip Cook DC! ✨ What’s included: ✅ Thorough Examination ✅ Nerve Function Assessment ✅ Circulation Thermal Scan ✅ Personalized Review of Findings 💡 Discover if you’re a candidate for our high-success-rate Neuropathy Program 💡 Stop masking symptoms with medications and explore a drug-free, healing-first approach to reclaim your life! 📅 Limited spots available—don’t wait! Book your $49 exam today and take the first step toward relief.		Cook Chiropractic Center		1377	https://www.facebook.com/cookchiropracticwellness/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731695	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:56 AM	1740993489	1746982562		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482234983_3164462133695335_1157979023407123283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9AXwkG25ZicQ7kNvgH0hx1h&_nc_oc=AdiXU81g9qa0CeKOPcjy-5u7HxOqsmQ470MgzyeO5pwN0zfLruuHQC4SnwWlG_4yvpXsHjvcRCKHanpq2SKEYncZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYDtJ2fXoVleOervOBzjpNxcvSoPkufnfa4dSnd2J9bJxg&oe=67CB5314	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732055	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 10:01 AM	1740993497	1746111699		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63310322-fb_contact-ena265_2-250228-core2.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=221566&accid=430600250120098&jump=1&exdata=2834592F077DE90437A0FA311B85B2B240A3FEBABE0D5D48			3.5567315763732E+14	Good good novel	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480996382_2332810390426006_5165023878345520758_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=phREvhPEo58Q7kNvgHhjBk5&_nc_oc=AdhyQgs3Xk8Q6Ip2TVAivBjQKh-sM2Wk9FKEWvRydahnGniFeK0ExeT2cYb8ZAq3xiLIK76FqXGMdtXUbuDDedHw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxXuWDjcUZVUZhM2a-RFM_z&oh=00_AYD61L_PCCo4z2EDqO2qxLiVsv-uARCq4VdAn0Oj0P0n0g&oe=67CB32F2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Emerging from the confines of marriage, she blossomed from a mundane housewife to a renowned painter with a legion of admirers. When her ex-husband sought reconciliation at her doorstep, he witnessed her in the arms of a prominent man. "Meet your new sister-in-law!" ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the d*ug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a d*ug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. P**gnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bl**d test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j**k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a s*ap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &9&		Good good novel		2342	https://www.facebook.com/61563613449081/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731712	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 1:31 PM	1740993490	1746124305		2747																											Get offer			VIDEO	$37 Complete Chiropractic Health Screening Including X-Rays					274578585615	Pinnacle Wellness	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481353163_1275144340211404_6249767244874909771_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=duJaFdXIuZoQ7kNvgE6FhGV&_nc_oc=AdjtpW_6mBI_4kZHHU0bPWfXj9HTIz53VAC6l9lFrxbRuxYI9w8KwI5N_QtBWcRO26EpDDuuB41BISWswtdYorup&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaqeMF4jGwsNcLbx4s9xuOl&oh=00_AYBNp_Pmn-HTIqcOReWTVWtfXRA8zGeShOtWmF6lonA3iQ&oe=67CB2810	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🌟 Feel Better with Pinnacle Wellness 🌟 Tired of living with back pain or discomfort? Imagine starting each day feeling refreshed and pain-free. At Pinnacle Wellness, we want to help you begin this journey with a Complete Chiropractic Health Screening for just $37! 👩‍⚕️ Meet Dr. Ho and Dr. Q, the trusted doctors changing lives in San Antonio. Our Corrective Care specialty focuses on long-term spinal health, not just quick fixes. We offer personalized plans to correct spinal issues, improve posture, and boost overall wellness. With this special offer, you'll get: - An initial consultation and health history review - A thorough exam, including X-rays, to find hidden problems - A posture check with personalized care recommendations Our happy patients say: "The doctors and staff here at Pinnacle Wellness have been amazing!" and "Dr. Ho and the team have helped me maintain my spinal health for years." This offer is limited, so act now to claim your spot. Click 'GET OFFER,' fill out the form, and book your appointment today to start your journey to a healthier, pain-free life. 👉 Don't miss this chance. Experience the Pinnacle Wellness difference and join others who have improved their health and vitality. Disclaimer(s): VALID FOR NEW PATIENTS ONLY. Offer excludes Medicare / Medicaid / Tricare / government insurance participants & all accident / workers comp / cases involving litigation by law.		Pinnacle Wellness		2476	https://www.facebook.com/Pinnwell/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2732047	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:46 AM	1740993497	1746978366		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO			https://fbweb.moboreels.com/16824410-fb-fr-xy35-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=036954&jump=0&exdata=B503D31159DA69824DF1ECBB77504FE81D526EF5126CFDC3			4.5085442144821E+14	MoboReels	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481217436_898419142239111_4666790746915869635_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=tezoStXWVq4Q7kNvgEnqD8X&_nc_oc=AdgDXOxjca2hzXiX9jpSAzcIvB6LnNxspW9DlSyHS9hWBCk9PEFIDbzZY9txnBmKpSsvU5p8ePeD8AP2vxUdsUsM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AiTvTIIV4D3R8_rfgwLMFpA&oh=00_AYA7DZD9Q1r-8lZuPG1yj2RjunDH2XP35S3vmiLtryU4oQ&oe=67CB4AE2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Elle s'est enivrée et a fini par coucher avec Nicolas, qui avait treize ans de plus qu'elle. Ils se sont donc mariés. Madalyn croyait qu'il s'agissait d'un mariage sans amour, mais elle était tombée sans le savoir dans le piège tendu par l'amour de Nicolas. Il attendait qu'elle l'aime en retour.		MoboReels		5370	https://www.facebook.com/61566964050936/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731474	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 5:02 AM	1740993485	1746180171		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481273660_1725077368351539_4178612888786686855_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JF924WPud7cQ7kNvgFZ_uKG&_nc_oc=Adi5Oep58GAlaVf-WPKyUCS3e-VN_ZuZAI5gQCVb2sYcFkmwTuu_wxi3jw9Nt33IeCP23V3_MWxaqpfw-JSlZpn4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYBKOKHGb7Yp3ZrhlHdU6-S7A1_z2nC7wSUnTOjZhW_bPg&oe=67CB2E21	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731470	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 2:51 AM	1740993485	1749801095		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480967941_1694507111275825_5800486650526408158_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=P9IkklQn37gQ7kNvgG3-PCm&_nc_oc=Adhjdbtph0RA0DXnk1Hs1r21IijfH6vq6D34vXI1rwERot4smEYL55UqPGdtygUVC2BgSdnUrIWTFOPb3R7zlzZR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYB661y9dV45L3qo40ONQg6jvUosICI4Ddbf-gqCv1mq1A&oe=67CB3C89	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731889	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:50 AM	1740993493	1746978631		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481195893_696891599360686_6489504594434375992_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4rFif5toj1oQ7kNvgGn6tD3&_nc_oc=Adjx-uB7N6OyBJLO90FvciesJ_PZFC0b3pN8hroyr4bnNG0GM6sx4VI_jPHZZtOql-fwtJ8vxXxKsZvfhFRUldI4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYAFzHTBW38xcxZ5J-KWrl92xKFz100W3H01cQSdylZRTg&oe=67CB5B0C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731858	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 2:43 PM	1740993493	1746128627		2747																										fb.me	Sign up			IMAGE	💗 Fix Your Nervous System w/ $49 VIP Package		http://fb.me/			1.0674600540533E+14	100% Chiropractic Lexington, KY	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481107909_651414660705516_8463729658175378587_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WAnSvnlKKIYQ7kNvgFWFXiw&_nc_oc=Adh3PWa6ioj7IKn8Wrxab2Bus68TFg-VvGvZ5FvSbZgoGuCYl0ONhh2z1tVWcqIj0jEX9-awF429DXzDpHtRbluB&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AvkaiO3kG85_Gb2k-A4Zqyx&oh=00_AYAgkyaZyQ4JPvmX4JTJLApp86_CfjHeEBdUm3UiQz7kYw&oe=67CB32A3	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		📢 Attention Lexington Residents In Pain… It’s Time To Take Control! If you don’t feel good—because of pain, inflammation, fatigue, headaches, or anxiety—it affects everything. 💡 That’s why I created the VIP Package—a life-changing experience designed to reset your nervous system and unlock your body’s natural ability to heal so you can take back control. 🎟️ Your VIP Package Includes: ✅ 𝐀 𝟏-𝐨𝐧-𝟏 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ✅ 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐗-𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬 ✅ 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 ✅ 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝟑𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐧 ✅ 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 ✅ 𝟑𝟎-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 ✅ and 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 ✅ BONUS: The Nervous System Reset Challenge! All for just $49… Normally $685! 💡 Your VIP Package is your first step toward real change. In your 1-on-1 consultation, we’ll take a deep dive into what’s really going on in your body, uncover the root causes of discomfort, and map out a personalized plan to help you move, feel, and live better—fast. This is where transformation begins. Your nervous system controls everything—when it’s balanced, you feel unstoppable. Let’s get you back to feeling your best. ⏳ Spots are LIMITED! Tap below to claim your VIP Package & schedule your visit now. ⬇️		100% Chiropractic Lexington, KY		352	https://www.facebook.com/100083294711233/	0		SIGN_UP								View Edit Delete
2731494	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 11:36 PM	1740993485	1746160596		2747																											Call now			VIDEO	The Behavior of Faith					1.1394696529304E+14	Dove Christian Center Church	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481247656_1718445758847320_7869415843942169325_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=k3nx19XiHOsQ7kNvgGQt24d&_nc_oc=Adhsyy34uohPgXtGY1gfsOxCkXkoCt0QcydnbTaGl7wxu0j01LAIfgYHT5BhO9ffPiKxQRZMdRsTFL_nHfgbYc8W&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYCnIuHYa3G9ug8qKKIlVtDQGyxzo5Owbykbo3b89Da7jQ&oe=67CB28B1	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		The Behavior of Faith		Dove Christian Center Church		298	https://www.facebook.com/DoveChurchDET/	0		CALL_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731526	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 10:35 AM	1740993486	1746113720		2747																										mysoothelab.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Soothe discomfort today | 60% off 👉	😊 75,000+ happy customers | 24/7 support	http://mysoothelab.com/sbm			1.0377071935262E+14	My Soothe Lab	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482016833_1173671494278915_8603972565438406091_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=woaUEONBo1wQ7kNvgHUxMWS&_nc_oc=Adi5WS480k8BWX_7Aso2euOJUtK5xZpP2o4HgZyHKpImHJJlc5AG26PZis73drkvwTPWPkzTmJQzifmpFXgddYz6&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYA8J9inobbjvuzL0zwKqrZ-dJRXObbXFk0ySLHBVi-FVA&oe=67CB3938	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		"This is the ONLY device that relieved my back pain and sciatica. Just 15 minutes day from the comfort of my own home is all it took to feel significant relief!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Monica L. - USA ✅ Eliminate back pain & sciatica at home with the Soothe Massager. ❌ No pills & expensive medical bills. Shop now while it's on sale ➡️ mysoothelab.com/sbm		My Soothe Lab		835	https://www.facebook.com/mysoothelab/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731822	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 11:44 PM	1740993492	1746161048		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481284213_2134443686973722_5493681686043379198_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0gEO-EQytjAQ7kNvgGZlzi7&_nc_oc=AdhTgUevudtkqBLeNEjj1JExQgcMy1YQB6RC26fe_E329bS4igYuPioBa-FV6bqK6Ag_5uJGjZTMutuKIJvyGUXs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYBzf_rZPP8cTfTPZOvUwA92b3tR6bzMEPV12Q6gPJvT_w&oe=67CB3B4C	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731532	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 3:00 PM	1740993486	1746129614		2747																										website.literiess.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Click to read on📜The Comeback Queen📜		https://website.literiess.com/share/middle_new/i2wda13eu5fqnurbatfvh3t0?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&sid=120215945396800187&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.4609468192732E+14	Mia Amelia	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482201089_1637368953568498_4862657865792082103_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OO5Ipelq0PgQ7kNvgGWDxLb&_nc_oc=AdiFJ3X615gB57evGaF8dirmtSn6VuYahoQQNQPRmaNYn-fhTMpb9NSA_1LXQ_G7e86Xi7jQAQiUoSJcsIBmjqIM&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYAKmOpG1enODvmrBoAAY8wnRFDbpX7Va9DPzqVl1yBErQ&oe=67CB3BDD	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Phoebe Jenkins slowly opened her eyes, taking in the room around her. It was just like she remembered, down to the smallest detail. Her heart pounded—she really had gone back in time. She reached for her phone on the nightstand, swiping the screen to check the date. A slow, satisfied grin spread across her face. The timing was perfect. A sharp knock at the door snapped her out of her thoughts. With a sigh, Phoebe got up and wandered over. When she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with her second brother and manager, Leon Jenkins, looking as stern as ever. "I've been calling you all damn morning. Why the hell didn't you pick up?" Leon's voice was tight with irritation. Phoebe just shrugged, her expression calm and indifferent. "Didn't feel like it." Leon's brow furrowed, clearly not expecting that. His patience was wearing thin. "Seriously? Can you just cut it out for once?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Come on, you need to step up your game. That whole 'cut it out' bit is so damn old. You might still get a thrill saying it, but I'm over here losing my mind listening to it." Since she'd come back to the Jenkins family, it felt like everyone—from her mother, Lydia, to her five brothers—had been on autopilot with the same tired phrase. "Cut it out," like that was supposed to fix everything. Leon stood there, speechless for a moment, before he snapped back. "Is it your mission in life to be this difficult? Sienna just wants that spot in the show. Would it kill you to back off for once? Does every single thing have to be a goddamn fight with you?" Phoebe's smirk vanished, and her eyes turned cold. She met his stare head-on. "I earned that spot, and I'm not handing it over just because you want to make things easier for her. You don't like it? That's your problem, not mine." Phoebe didn't grow up in some warm, picture-perfect family. When she was just four, she got lost during a family outing because her older brother, Jamar Jenkins, wasn't watching her closely enough. Not long after, the family adopted another girl the same age—who even took her original name: Sienna Jenkins. Years slipped by, and it wasn't until about a year ago that the Jenkins family finally found her and brought her back to what should have been her home all along. But by then, everything had changed. Their hearts had shifted. They doted on the adopted Sienna, treating her like the real daughter, while Phoebe was made to feel like an outsider in her own family. Whenever there was a conflict, it didn't matter who was in the wrong—Phoebe always got the blame. To them, she was the one stirring up trouble, always at fault, always the unreasonable one. Despite all that, Phoebe had fought tooth and nail in the entertainment industry for over a year, starting from zero. She had scraped her way up to earn a spot as a minor star. But just when it seemed like her family was finally acknowledging her hard work, they pulled a classic move. They pressured her to dump her existing contract and join their family-owned entertainment company—claiming it was to "take better care of her." And the kicker? They wanted Leon as her new manager. Meanwhile, Sienna, who had always been all about her music career, suddenly discovered a deep "passion" for showbiz and conveniently signed up with the same company, right under Leon's wing. For the whole year, it was like everything was handed to Sienna on a silver platter. She landed top-tier gigs left and right, shooting up from a nobody to the industry's next rising star. As for Phoebe, Leon only tossed her the scraps after Sienna had her pick of the best. It was obvious where his loyalties lay. But last month, Phoebe finally got a lucky break. She saved the wife of a big-name director, earning herself a spot on a highly-anticipated variety show. And of course, Sienna had her sights set on it too. She not-so-subtly hinted to Leon that she wanted in. But the guest list was already locked, and even with Sienna's growing clout, squeezing her in wasn't going to be easy. So Leon and the family suggest that Phoebe should just "give up" her spot for Sienna's sake. She wasn't stupid. Phoebe saw straight through Sienna's game. The girl was trying to swipe her opportunity—again. So this time, Phoebe put her foot down and flat-out refused. The family lost their shit. They called her selfish, ungrateful, unreasonable—anything they could think of to guilt-trip her. But she didn't cave. After hours of heated arguing, she stormed off to her room, seething. Now, seeing Leon show up again, it couldn't be clearer that Sienna hadn't let this go. She'd probably played the sweet, helpless victim to Leon, and now he was here to put Phoebe in her place. Leon took a deep breath, trying to keep his cool. "Listen, just let Sienna have this variety show spot. I'll get you something better." Phoebe scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Something better? Spare me the . Save them for your perfect little sister." And with that, she slammed the door in his face, ending the conversation on her terms. Leon blinked, staring at the closed door, completely thrown. She'd never been this blunt with him before, not since she came back. His expression darkened as he muttered, "Damn it, Phoebe, stop being so damn unreasonable!" He knocked again, but it was clear Phoebe wasn't opening up. Frustrated and out of options, he turned and walked away, cursing under his breath. Inside, Phoebe felt an unexpected calm settle over her. Before her time travel, she'd done everything to win her family's affection after their reunion. She'd cooked them delicious meals, given massages, rehearsed lines with them, even practiced dancing—all just to make them happy. Whatever they wanted, she'd bent over backward trying to warm the cold hearts of the Jenkinses. But no matter what she did, they remained unmoved. And then came the kidnapping. Both she and Sienna were taken, and when it came down to it, every single one of them, except for her absentee father, Elliot, chose to save Sienna without a second thought. Left behind, she met a brutal end at the hands of the kidnappers. In those last, terrible moments, she finally let go of any hope for the Jenkinses and the desperate craving for their love. But her story didn't end there. Instead, she found herself bound to a mystical elf who took her through small worlds, each with a new mission. Every task earned her life points, and after who knew how many challenges, she'd finally managed to come back here. Phoebe opened her right hand, tracing the short, faint lifeline in her palm. It told her she had less than a year left—ending right around the same time her life had been cut short before. When the elf released her, it had left her with one last bit of information: if she wanted to extend her life, she'd need to earn people's genuine affection. Whether it came from kindness given to her or from her helping others, that affection would translate into extra time—like trading belief for life points. Fortunately, this didn't take anything from those who offered her kindness, and she swore she'd never hurt anyone just to save herself. Right now, staying alive was all she cared about. The Jenkins family's drama was the last thing she had energy for. She started packing, sorting through her things and leaving behind anything the Jenkinses had given her. After tallying up every expense she'd had since joining them, she pulled out the bank card Elliot had given her when they first met, relieved she hadn't spent a single dime of it. Carrying her heavy suitcase, Phoebe pushed open the door and made her way down the stairs. In the living room, the Jenkins family sat rigid, their faces full of disapproval as they watched her descend, luggage in hand. Lydia glared at her, voice sharp and condescending. "What the hell are you doing now? Ever since you came back, you've been nothing but trouble." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, right. Because I begged to come back? No, you dragged me here. And now I'm the one stirring shit up just because Sienna wants what's mine and I won't hand it over?" Her voice hardened. "If we're pointing fingers, the real problem is her. And all of you, enabling her." Lydia was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her scowl. "Sienna just wants that show, and you're a Jenkins. She lost the family name—don't you think you owe her something? "And didn't your brother promise you an even better opportunity? Why fight over this one?" Her third brother, Joshua, cut in, shaking his head. "You're just holding a grudge because you've never liked Sienna. Now you're taking it all out on her." Her fourth brother, Cain, already at his limit, let out an irritated sigh. "Jesus, Phoebe, can you stop being such a pain in the ass for once and act like a real Jenkins?" Back in the day, their words might've cut deep. But now, they barely scratched the surface. Phoebe gave a bitter, almost mocking laugh. "Wow, so me standing my ground makes me the villain? Unbelievable. You guys really have a talent for twisting things to suit yourselves. It's almost impressive, in a twisted kind of way." Her voice grew firmer, her words clearer. "Let's get something straight. First off, I never wanted a damn thing from Sienna. She's been living in my place, living a life that was supposed to be mine, and you all act like it's no big deal. "And second, let's not forget, you all were the ones who lost me. I don't owe her a damn thing. Hell, I don't owe any of you anything. So no, I'm not bending over backward to make things right when it wasn't me who things up in the first place." Lydia opened her mouth to respond, but Phoebe cut her off with a sharp, dismissive wave. "And as for being a Jenkins? She can have that title. I couldn't give a shit." Lydia stared at her, clearly stunned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Phoebe's gaze turned ice-cold, her voice flat and final. "It means exactly what it sounds like. I'm done with this family. From now on, we're strangers—just like before." She let out a bitter laugh and added with a sharp edge, "Once I'm out, your precious Sienna can stay at the center of your little world. You won't have to worry about me taking a damn thing from her—or any of you. Consider this my final gift." Chapter 2 Mess Up My Life Phoebe had long since stopped caring about her biased family. To her, it was like they didn't even share the same blood. When she was just a kid, Jamar had lost her, plain and simple. She ended up in the hands of human traffickers, nearly sold into a brothel. Her life had nearly been ruined beyond fixing. If it hadn't been for a stranger who saved her and took her in, she didn't even want to think about where she'd be now. The words Phoebe threw at the Jenkins family hit them like a punch to the gut. They stood there, faces frozen in shock. They never saw it coming. Never thought Phoebe would cut them off so coldly—no second-guessing, no hesitation, not even a backward glance. Sienna curled up in Lydia's arms, her face full of guilt as she threw nervous looks at Phoebe. "No, I should be the one leaving. I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take anything from you. I just... really wanted that part, and that's why Leon came to you. "Now, I don't even want it anymore, so you don't have to feel bad. I don't want Mom, Dad, or the boys stressing over this because of me." Her fake apology was pure manipulation—acting all sweet and self-sacrificing, trying to make it seem like she wasn't stealing anything from Phoebe. But underneath, she was planting the idea that Phoebe was just being dramatic, throwing a fit to get her way. As expected, the Jenkins family's faces grew even darker, the tension thickening like a storm about to break. Phoebe locked eyes with Sienna, unflinching, and tore through her act without mercy. "Cut the innocent crap. I'm not falling for it." She'd stopped caring about "family loyalty" a long time ago, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sugarcoat things now. Phoebe said, her voice cold and razor-sharp, "You've been pulling this 'I'll leave' stunt for years, but guess what? You never actually do. Your fake retreats make me want to vomit, and honestly, it's pathetic that anyone still falls for it. "You don't need to come to me for anything. One word from you, and the whole Jenkins clan would bend over backward to give you whatever the hell you want. So don't bother with those guilty looks—I don't give a damn what these people think of me anymore." Her words sliced through the air like a blade, leaving an even darker cloud hanging over the Jenkins family. Sienna's face flushed a dozen shades as she fought to keep her anger in check, wrapping her arms aroundvLydia, with a touch of resentment. "Mom, I swear I didn't do it. Don't listen to a damn word she's saying about Dad, you, or the boys." Inwardly, she fumed, 'What the hell is wrong with Phoebe today? Is she losing it? How dare she come at me like that?' Despite feeling attacked, Sienna knew Phoebe's outburst would only make the family turn against her even more, so she decided to keep her cool. As expected, Lydia was seething, nearly on the verge of fainting. "Phoebe, what the hell are you saying? Where's your respect?" Phoebe just shrugged, completely unfazed. "Respect? Yeah, I was born with you, but you didn't raise me. So I guess my respect got eaten by the dog." The room went dead silent as the Jenkins family stood there, too stunned to respond. Lydia's face was clouded with disappointment as she stared at Phoebe. "You're still holding a grudge, aren't you? Did we make a mistake bringing you back? "We've done everything we can for you this past year, trying to make things right. What more do you want? Why can't you and Sienna just get along like normal sisters?" Her tone hardened. "Even though you're our biological daughter, Sienna's been with us all these years. She's part of this family—she's my daughter too, and that's not gonna change." Phoebe used to let those words sting, but now they didn't even touch her. "What have I ever tried to fight for? Since I got here, you and Sienna have been on my case every damn second. "No matter what I do, you make it out like I'm trying to get attention or steal something. If you're that paranoid, go see a shrink. I'm done with your ." She reached into her bag, pulled out a bank card, and slapped it down on the table. "Here's the so-called 'compensation' you threw at me. I haven't touched a single damn cent. And all that crap the butler bought? Keep it. I'll pay you back in cash for whatever I used." There were 300 thousand dollars on the card, and Phoebe hadn't spent a dime. She then tossed a piece of paper onto the table. "I've been living here for over a year, and I haven't spent more than 30 thousand dollars. There's the breakdown. I've just wired 30 thousand dollars to this card. From now on, we're done. You owe me nothing, I owe you nothing." Phoebe thought to herself, 'If money can fix it, it's not a real problem.' She'd squared away the financial side of things, but deep down, she knew the emotional scars would never really heal. Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude left the Jenkins family in stunned silence, realizing she was serious. Lydia, still in disbelief that the usually passive Phoebe was acting out like this, slammed her hand on the table, her face burning with rage. "Fine, if you want to leave so badly, then get the hell out! But if you walk out that door today, don't ever think about coming back!" She was convinced, just like Sienna had said, that Phoebe was bluffing—just trying to get them to fold. There was no way her own daughter would really walk out on the family. And deep down, Lydia had the sinking feeling that if Phoebe did leave, there'd be no going back. She didn't actually want Phoebe to leave; she just wanted to warn her not to push it too far. The rest stayed silent, clearly backing Lydia up. Phoebe got it right away—they figured she wouldn't really walk out on the house. "If I'm going, I'm not looking back." With that, she grabbed her suitcase and left without a hint of hesitation. Elliot called after her, trying to reel her back. "Alright, that's enough. Sienna already turned down that spot on the show, and from here on out, I'll have your second brother find you better gigs." Family was family, after all. They couldn't just let her walk out for good. Phoebe stopped and shot him a cold look. "Oh, so you're trying to buy me off with a few gigs now?" Elliot frowned. "That's not what I meant. I just want you to know that now that we've found you, we're ready to make up for lost time." Phoebe let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, how generous. I've already gotten my fill of your cold shoulders, complaints, and eye-rolls this past year. Sorry if I'm not jumping at the chance for your 'kindness.'" Elliot faltered, at a loss for words as he saw her unyielding expression. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Fine. What do you want, then?" Wrapped up in his work, he realized he had indeed let Phoebe slip through the cracks over the last year. Phoebe's voice was firm and sharp. "I want a clean break. Simple as that. No more calls, no more anything. I'm done." Elliot's face twisted with anger, and her five brothers didn't look any happier. Especially Jamar, who looked at her with a storm of guilt and frustration. "So, that's it? You're just going to blame me for everything. You're just trying to force us to bend over backwards so you can one-up Sienna." Phoebe glared at him, her voice ice-cold. "Blame you? You're damn right I blame you. You're the one who lost me in the first place! Because of you, I ended up with human traffickers—I almost wound up in a damn brothel." Her voice shook with barely suppressed rage. "Am I supposed to be grateful for that 'gift' you gave me?" Jamar's face went pale. "I didn't mean for any of that to happen," he stammered. "I had no idea you almost... went through that." Phoebe raised an eyebrow, her words cutting. "Oh, so 'you didn't mean it,' and that just makes it all better? Doesn't change the fact you lost me and messed up my whole life." She could barely think about it without feeling that sting. Sure, since she'd been back, Jamar had tried to make amends, more than her other brothers or even her parents. But every single time she clashed with Sienna, Jamar didn't hesitate to take Sienna's side. Phoebe sighed inwardly. 'A brother that selfish and biased? Whoever wants him can have him, but I sure as hell don't.' Chapter 3 Done With Everything Phoebe's words hit Jamar like a slap. He hadn't meant for things to end this way, but his choices had forced her to scrape by for years, never enjoying a single perk of being the family heiress. Phoebe's voice was ice-cold, cutting through the silence. "Let's get one thing straight, for the last time: none of you mean a damn thing to me anymore. I'm not interested in fighting Sienna for anyone's favor. Not now, not ever." Leon shot her a dark look, voice dripping with warning. "You'd better think this through. You cut ties with us, and don't expect a penny of support from the company." Ollie Jenkins backed him up with a smirk. "We'll make sure you're blacklisted everywhere." They clearly thought they could scare her into backing down, hoping she'd realize just how much she'd be giving up. But Phoebe just scoffed, her laugh sharp and mocking. "Oh, spare me. Like you've ever done me any favors. Since I joined your precious entertainment company, I've had fewer and crappier gigs than when I was with that low-rent agency that barely paid me. "And the resources you 'gave' me? Bottom of the barrel. When people were trashing me online, did you even try to help? Not a chance. "Every decent deal I scraped together myself, you tried to hand off to Sienna. And now you're throwing 'support' in my face as a threat? I've seen shameless people, but you two are on another level." Watching their faces go from sour to livid, Phoebe went on, cool as ice. "Good thing I never signed a contract when I came over, so I don't have to waste a second breaking one." Back then, Ollie and Leon had sworn up and down that, as family, no formal contract was needed, and she'd be "taken care of." But Phoebe had kept her guard up, holding onto her freedom just in case. And she'd been right. If she'd signed, she'd be staring down a mountain of penalties to get out, and they'd shut her out of everything without hesitation. "As of today, I'm done bending over backward for you. Do whatever the hell you want," she said. "Since you never even acknowledged me publicly as family, there's no need for me to make a big show about cutting ties. Saves us all the hassle. Goodbye." With that, Phoebe turned, suitcase in hand, and walked away without a single backward glance. As she crossed the doorway, she casually paused the recording app on her phone. The Jenkins family stood in silence, watching as Phoebe's determined silhouette faded into the distance. They felt a storm of emotions—way more complicated than just anger. Lydia's face twisted in rage. "She really just walked out on us! That ungrateful brat!" Leon's face darkened. "If she's that hell-bent on going solo, let's see how she manages without us behind her." To him, this was nothing but Phoebe's revenge for them choosing Sienna over her, and it only made him angrier. He turned to Ollie, his expression hard. "You've got industry contacts—let them know Phoebe is off-limits. Nobody signs her." Ollie gave a short nod, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Already on it." Phoebe's sudden defiance, after years of being the obedient one, made Ollie want to knock some sense into her. She'd see soon enough that going against them had consequences. Seeing Ollie's enthusiasm, Leon's eyes narrowed with a cruel smile. "Let her play tough. I bet she'll come crawling back sooner than she thinks." He'd make sure the entire industry knew Phoebe was untouchable. Sienna, who'd been listening nearby, felt a wave of satisfaction, though she kept her expression guilty. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have upset her so much. Ollie, Leon, please don't do this. I didn't mean to make her leave." With a sigh, she added, "Give her some time. Once she cools off, I'll apologize. And if you talk to her, she'll come back." Her words only deepened the family's belief that Phoebe was in the wrong, and their anger toward her grew. Ollie waved her off. "This isn't your fault, Sienna. She's the one biting the hand that feeds her." The other brothers quickly agreed, "Exactly! She's already got the family name, but she has to act out? Ridiculous." "You don't need to apologize, and we sure aren't bending over backward for her." "She needs a serious reality check, or we'll never have peace around here." Sienna's calm and "understanding" demeanor only made Phoebe's behavior seem more outrageous to them. After a moment's thought, Lydia gave Sienna's shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't worry, dear. Your brothers know what they're doing. When Phoebe comes back, she'll know her place." Sienna nodded, feigning reluctance. "Alright, if you say so." Elliot listened quietly, convinced that after a few hard knocks, Phoebe would come crawling back home. He had no doubts, so he simply watched the plan unfold. --- Phoebe slipped back into her old apartment in Solara City—the place she kept as a getaway ever since moving back with the Jenkins family. When things got tense at home, this was her escape. She was barely done tidying up when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression twisting into something halfway between annoyed and sarcastic. Reece Hill. Childhood friend, ex-boyfriend, and lately, the guy she was doing her best to dodge. After she'd been adopted by his mentor Percival Burgess, Phoebe lived next door to Reece's granddad. The two families were tight, so naturally, she and Reece grew up close. Back then, she'd been a damaged kid, too scared to step out beyond the tiny courtyard. But Reece, with his warmth and steady hand, had pulled her out of her shell and into the world. From that point on, she followed him like a shadow. He was five years older, and when he left for Solara City in high school, she was determined to keep up. She threw herself into her studies, skipping grades to make it to the city. A couple of years later, Reece joined the entertainment industry, and once she graduated, she went right in after him. Finally, after she'd returned to the Jenkins family, she'd built up the nerve to tell him how she felt. He hadn't rejected her, and for a second, she thought she had a shot. But right before she traveled back in time, he hit her with a betrayal that cut deep. She wasn't about to make that same mistake twice. When she picked up, her voice was ice. "Yeah? What do you want?" Reece could feel the chill in her tone but shrugged it off. "So, you're really bailing on that reality show?" "Who told you that?" she shot back, already suspecting Sienna was behind this. Reece paused. "Leon said you were considering giving up your spot." She didn't skip a beat. "Not a chance. I'm not giving up my spot for anyone." His tone grew sharper. "So you're ignoring Leon now?" Phoebe snorted. "Since when do I have to do whatever he says?" Reece and Leon were practically glued at the hip. Back before her time travel, she'd been naive enough to think Reece was trying to help when he'd told her to step aside, not realizing Sienna had manipulated the whole thing. Reece's voice hardened. "Leon's your manager. He's got your back. Don't be so damn stubborn." She scoffed. "Oh, so saying no to Sienna makes me 'stubborn'? Let me guess—if I roll over and do whatever she wants, I'm 'reasonable,' and you get to run off into the sunset with your 'dream girl,' right? That how it works?"		Mia Amelia		332	https://www.facebook.com/61568100461912/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731796	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:56 AM	1740993492	1746979008		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481813846_1694920734439788_7107886562692478103_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6ZaCeyCsQ5MQ7kNvgFXq-GR&_nc_oc=Adhhaajr35mW9JIvUWi2TfC9_kWGVXjwGj33ZZRcw3WswX0AXM1D8vceLWnJVMK5wX7SyUqxYiBrMenqi_1loig5&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYAxxNIb7qXblHg7KGuCeVFgN4kdpnsWgjqeGVAuytUxEg&oe=67CB3F78	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731689	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 11:01 AM	1740993489	1746979302		2747																										ads.novelflow.app	Learn more			VIDEO	Absolutely Free Reading:📖Alpha's Caged Mat👉🏻		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/1934.html?id=1934&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=3&channel_id=NFF100268&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0			5.178370847364E+14	Global Free Novel Craze	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481241663_2924988094322386_3318503918056821850_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bJJWKPviE0UQ7kNvgFh2y_m&_nc_oc=Adj8jpjZ9JLcV9qi0_dAHw7Thj3WOOzgzA0sZ1RuJUPvPpoQcxT6XGFFAHy1Du0SXTJInXHPXeTmafBBoogwWpsj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoseSZgvTOHkIOTBfuy60gl&oh=00_AYCC8pYiBzyZcX809-LOPbLk7Ogl9-_uaxdr-OirTpzyBg&oe=67CB57FB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		*“Murderer…”**“Liar…”**“Traitor!”*Each vile word spat at Ava stung like the cut of a blade, digging deep and slicing her up from the inside out. These weren’t strangers hurling profane slurs at her and glaring at her with such intense hatred in their glowing eyes; these were the people who’d watched her grow up, taught her what it meant to be a Wolf. Now, they bared their fangs at her in rage, the shadow of their inner Wolves threatening to rise to the surface, to come tear Ava apart. These had been her people once, but tonight it was clear they were her enemies. “Burn, you *fucking* traitor!” A rock sailed out of the darkness and caught Ava across the forehead. Ava hissed in a yelp of pain and dropped to her knees. “On your knees where you belong, rogue bitch!” The crowd erupted in a round of raucous cheers seeing the girl felled. The guards holding the lead to her shackles continued on, forcing Ava to stumble back to her feet or risk being dragged through the mud. Determined to maintain her dignity in spite of her rising sense of panic, Ava blinked the warm trickle of blood out of her eye and quickly got her feet under her. She was a rising Beta of the Red Moon Pack, whether they liked it or not. She refused to show such weakness in front of her subordinates. Ava bit back a heaving breath. She felt the oppressive weight of his gaze land on her, once again. **Xavier**. Alpha. Best friend. Potential lover. Now, potential executioner. He’d meant the world to Ava her entire life. Before he’d grown into a powerful male, before he’d inherited the title of Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, he’d been Xavi. He’d been hers. Along with Sophia and Samantha, he’d been her closest companion and confidante. Now, everything had changed. *Everything*. Ava’s guard finally came to a stop in the middle of a familiar clearing. A small stream ran through it and coupled with the break in the forest canopy, the spot made for a peaceful place to stargaze. She and her friends came here often. And although they hadn’t visited the glade in some time, Samantha and Sophia’s scents permeated the clearing, only overpowered by the overwhelming scent of their blood. There were no bodies to be seen, but she knew this was where they had died. The dread building in her chest increased as she caught another scent on the wind. Inexplicably, she smelled her own violet-tinged musk intermingled with theirs. Faint enough to distinguish from her current presence in the area, but strong enough to suggest she’d been in the glade recently. Ava started to sweat. If she could scent herself her, the other Wolves had, as well. Now, the tree line was crowded with representatives of their community, come to witness the trial and punishment of a so-called murderer. Standing in the center of the clearing were two figures whose shadows cut imposing silhouettes against the night. The first was Xavier. Beside him, standing tall and proud, was his father, August, who telegraphed absolutely nothing despite having just lost a daughter. “Let her burn!” “Make the filthy rogue whore pay!” The jeers continued as Ava was brought to a stop before the former and current Alphas. Ava watched the males closely, eagerly looking for any sign that might tip her on to their intentions. August began making a move forward, but a soft growl from Xavier made him pause. The exchange was nearly imperceivable, but Ava still caught the tiny nod August gave to Xavier, acquiescing the reigns in Xavier’s first real act as Alpha. Stepping forward, Xavier raised a hand toward the crowd that was practically vibrating with furious energy. “Peace, Wolves! By the end of the night, I promise you justice will be served.” Ava swallowed heavily as the surrounding Wolves cheered and settled, ready for the bloodshed to begin. Xavier nodded, satisfied that Pack had immediately responded to his command. “Then, let the tribunal begin.” He strode up to where Ava stood shackled. She wanted him to say that he didn’t believe the lies, that he knew her better than she knew herself – just like she knew him. He didn’t. Instead, he took her in, from the mussed pajamas she’d been wearing when she’d been dragged into custody, to the fresh, seeping wound on her forehead. This close, he let Ava see the uncertainty and regret written all over his handsome face. Behind him, August cleared his throat, low and sharp – a clear reprimand, reminding Xavier of who he was and what they were there for. The admonishment worked as Xavier’s expression shuttered taking her friend away and leaving only the austere leader in his place. “Kneel.” “Xavier– “Ava started to protest. “*Kneel*.” His voice went hard. “Xavier, please! You know I had nothing to do with S– “ “Your loyalty to this Pack is already in question. Think long and hard on whether or not you also want to openly defy its leader.” Ava heard the disguised plea in his words, to not make things harder on herself. Swallowing, Ava ducked her head in a sign of submission and lowered herself to her knees before Xavier. He gave another satisfied nod and pitched his voice low, “You’ll have your chance to speak.” “As we all know,” Xavier faced her, but addressed the crowd. “We stand here together in mourning over the loss of two of our own. Ava Davis, you’re under suspicion of making treacherous dealings and sundering a hole within the Red Moon Pack that can never be replaced. What say you?” “I’m innocent!” She looked around to the crowed before settling her entreating gaze back on Xavier, “You all know me – Xavier, *you* know me. Sophia and Samantha were like sisters to me, there’s no way I could ever hurt them.” Xavier’s jaw tightened at the word ‘sister’ and Ava knew he was thinking about Sophia. But he composed himself quickly, “Noted.” Turning toward a spot in the trees, he called out, “Victor, it was you who brought these allegations up against Ava. Tell us why.” “Alpha!” Victor stormed forward to join them in the center of the clearing. The slight Omega had been August’s right-hand for years and was Sam’s father. He shook with rage as he considered her, vengeful satisfaction filling his eyes as he took in her shackled, subjugated form. “I’m honored to help bring this filthy traitor the retribution she deserves.” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the crowd as Victor spun to address them, “This…*beast* murdered our own.” Ava’s head began shaking her denial even as he continued to speak. “I did *not– “* “The future of our Pack and she betrayed their trust. She’s betrayed *our* trust.” He spat, never once looking her in the eye as he spelled out her death sentence. “Victor, I know that you’re hurting- “Ava pled. “Because she was my daughter!” Victor spun toward her, bellowing. His cry echoed through the night, his pain sharp as a knife. He took a few breaths to compose himself before turning to face the Pack again. Wrong or not, he’d resonated with them. Members, both male and female were openly weeping in their anger, feeling the open wound Sam and Sophia’s deaths had opened in our community. “Your proof, Omega.” Xavier calmly demanded. This trial was a joke, most of those gathered here had already judged her and found her guilty in their minds. Even so, she couldn’t be punished without proper evidence. “We all scented her on the wind upon our arrival,” he started, drawing furious nods from the masses. With a dejected heart, Ava saw Xavier’s nostrils flare as he, too, gave a solemn nod. “Beyond that telling truth, my daughter’s phone!” Any hope she felt died as Victor pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. The bejeweled leopard-print case looked stunningly out of place in this gloomy field. He pulled up their text thread and began reading aloud. “’Sam, you made me look like a damn fool. We need to talk.’ Sent from the *accused’s* phone number yesterday afternoon. Then, at half past midnight last night my daughter replied, ‘I’m here. Where are you?’” His revelation was met with heavy silence. “That isn’t proof!” Ava cried, frustrated tears finally leaking past her defenses, the last vestiges of her façade shredded by the blatant accusation leveled toward her. Such evidence would never hold up in human court, but this wasn’t the human world. Here, Pack Law reigned, and the Pack ran on emotion, instinct. The tide of public opinion had turned against her and that was enough. “What reason would I have for doing this?” “She had what you couldn’t!” Victor’s implication was clear. It was a bold claim he made, and it painted a torrid picture for the jury. Rumors of Samantha’s budding relationship with Xavier had apparently been circulating. Unfortunately, Ava hadn’t heard them before she’d made her confession to him. She chanced a glance at Xavier, but his eyes where doggedly trained on Victor. His eyebrows were drawn low, and Ava knew he was thinking about that night, too. Two nights ago, she’d poured out her heart to him, hoping that he could envision the future she saw for them. Then, his gentle dismissal had crushed her even if she refused to let him see it. Now, it was cause for homicide. She’d been so bold, so confident in herself and comfortable with her and Xavier’s relationship. Daughter of the Pack’s second-in-command, she wasn’t bred to be shy, in fact she was known for being the brash one of their group. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone to find out she’d propositioned their Alpha, not like it would if Samantha had done so. Given the difference between mine and Samantha’s ranks, Xavier picking Samantha over her would be a shock to our Pack’s hierarchy. To many, it’d seem like an insult to Ava’s rank and honor. Retaliation on her part might be accepted, even expected, but *murder*… “Your pathetic pride was hurt, and my daughter died for it,” Victor continued. “What’s more, our beloved princess was caught in your crossfire!” The mention of Sophia elicited a strong reaction from the crowd, just like he knew it would. Sophia, indeed, had been beloved. She’d been warmth and levity, the kindest friend and fiercest protector. Victor said as much, causing the Pack to erupt in mournful howls, quickly replaced by calls for her head. “Traitor! Murderer!” An intense itch erupted underneath the surface of Ava’s skin. Mia, her Wolf, threatening to unleash herself to protect Ava from the other Wolves, but trapped inside by the shackles binding her wrists. “Xavier, *please*, you know none of this is true.” She supplicated herself to him further, head bowed, neck bared. Xavier looked at the crowd and began to speak when his father stepped up to him for the first time since the trial had started. The shouts of the crowd masked the words that would doom Ava. “Think very hard, Xavier,” The older male’s voice was stern, but calm, with the subtle charisma of a master manipulator. “Look at your people and the pain this girl has caused.” “The evidence was circumstantial, at best, father.” Xavier said, though he seemed unsure of himself, especially under his father’s scrutiny. “The good of the Pack comes first, Xavier. Always.” He subtly nodded at the raging crowd, hyped up by Victor’s angry chants for retribution. “This chaos cannot be allowed to fester within our ranks. It needs to end here.” His voice held a little too much of his previous command and Xavier tensed at the perceived encroachment on his control. August backed up a step and smirked, “But, of course, the decision is up to you…Alpha.” Xavier stood a moment contemplating his father’s whispered words and the increasingly hostile crowd calling for Ava’s head. The evidence wasn’t fool proof, but it was there. It was enough. He turned to Ava, “The messages, your scent…It’s too much, Ava. It’s too clear. The Pack has spoken!” “No!” She screamed as the insults turned to cheers. Hands roughly dragged Ava to her feet. “Given what evidence we’ve gathered and the dishonor you’ve brought upon this Pack,” Xavier’s voice boomed across the field like thunder. “As Alpha of the Red Moon Pack, I sentence you, Ava Davis, daughter of the Beta, to life imprisonment.” Ava grew silent. Life imprisonment. The rest of her life would be spent in a glorified dungeon. Numb, she turned to look at her parents in a final bid for salvation. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting. No one would go against the Alpha’s decision. After all, a Beta’s first commitment was to the Alpha. Xavier followed her gaze leveling her shivering parents with a ruthless glare. “Do you object to my judgment and the will of your Pack?” Tense silence quickly fell, everyone waiting with bated breath to hear the Beta’s response, Ava included. Under the Pack’s scrutiny, her father’s shoulders straightened while her mother’s fell, ever-so-slightly. Ava knew then what they’d say. “We do not, Alpha.” Her father proclaimed. There was no containing Ava’s sorrow and panic. Heaving sobs ripped from her chest, all semblance of pride completely gone. She’d been damned after all. As Ava’s jailers hauled her out of the clearing past Xavier, he uttered one final nail in her coffin. “It should’ve been you.” **Three years later...** “Ava Davis!” The gruff yell of a guard yelling her name startled Ava from her fraught sleep. Momentarily caught in the fuzzy in-between state of dreaming and the waking world, Ava felt the blissfully numb for the precious few seconds before reality caught back up to her. All too quickly, the dark stone walls surrounding her came back into focus, the stale smell of under-washed Wolves caused her nostrils to flare. As she shifted on her rock-hard cot, the aching in her back wrenched reluctant groans from her perpetually parched throat. Thirsty. Hungry. Sore and tired. Ava’s breath caught as the misery of her reality weighed on her like a boulder crushing her chest. And yet, tonight was nothing special. She’d woken up in a similar state, or worse, every night for the past three years. Ever since everyone she’d ever known and loved had turned their backs on her and left her to rot, alone and forgotten. Then, she recalled her dream. *For the love of the moon*, Ava’s thoughts were as wretched as the rest of her felt. *Even in my dreams, I can’t get any goddamn peace.* “Davis, I said move!” The guard banged her cell door with a baton. “Catherine Maddison! You, too.” A sharp pain knifed through Ava’s torso as she made to stand. Biting back another groan, she only took a moment to put pressure on her bruised ribs, determined to catch her breath and compose herself before making her way to the door. The ache that throbbed across her midsection was bone-deep, but Ava gritted her teeth and didn’t make a sound. Over the past three years, Ava had learned how this place operated, what was important to survive. Her name and status, none of that mattered in this depressing little hellhole. In fact, they’d only put a target on her back when she’d first gotten here. It hadn’t taken her too long to realize that pride wouldn’t get her far among the prisoners. It had taken her even less time to realize that her pride would get her even less so with the guards. Everyone was a prisoner here, whether they’d been sentenced here or not, and Ava represented the very system that had ruined all their lives. There would be no solace here, no rescue. That had been her first lesson, but it wouldn’t be her last. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . She hadn’t been imprisoned long the first time she was drug from her bunk. Rough hands yanked her across the cold concrete floor and, before her lupin eyes could adjust to the dark, a boot caught her in the stomach. “Like that, Beta bitch?” The voice that taunted her was deep for a female and raspy. “Who’s top dog, now?” Gritting her teeth against the pain, Ava grabbed her attacker’s foot and yanked hard, throwing them off-balance. As the shadowy figure crashed to the ground, Ava was on them. She rolled to her knees and leapt upon the assailant’s chest with reflexes honed by years of combat training. “Still me.” Ava sneered. Ava pulled back her fist and smashed it into the attacker’s face one, two, three times before another hand grabbed her wrist. “Ooh, she’s feisty!” Another voice barked. Shit. It was dark and she’d assumed the person attacking her was alone, a stupid rookie mistake. The unknown assailant behind her twisted her arm, wrenching her shoulder until it popped. Ava gasped, her body going rigid and allowing the attacker to drag her off of the first goon who was currently writhing in pain, hand clasped to a pulverized nose. Ava felt a final flash of satisfaction before she was shoved to the ground. Suddenly, a couple of attackers seemed to multiply as half a dozen aggressive shadows surrounded her. “What do you want from me?” She gasped, her voice laced with anger and pain. A hot, wet glob pelted her in the face. “You still think you’re better than us. You’re about to learn your place.” Then a foot slammed into her dislocated shoulder, grinding the abused joint into the stone floor below. Ava screamed and, as if her pained cry was a cue for the mob, the pelting began in earnest and didn’t let up. Ava reflexively curled in on herself, raising her one working hand over her head trying desperately, futilely to protect herself. Whenever she kicked, there was someone there to hold her down. Whenever she opened her mouth to scream, an arm was there to snake its way around her throat, cutting off her cries for help. There were just too many of them and she’d never been taught to fight alone. She was supposed to have her Pack for backup, that’s how every Wolf was raised. The lone wolf seldom survives. Now, Ava was the lone wolf against a rabid mob. Ava knew that if it weren’t for the silver shackles keeping all of their Wolves at bay, she’d be dead. And no one would care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava learned the value of silence that night and it had served her well these past three agonizingly slow years. After she’d been jumped, she’d gone to a guard and was sent to her cot without supper for the inconvenience. ​ Even though it was nearly impossible to avoid physical altercations in the prison, the gang beatings ended after that night. Ava suspected that had more to do with Layla than any of the guards, though. ​ “Davis. I will not ask nicely again.” *Damn*. She’d tarried too long, and the guard had circled back around to her cell. The broad female stormed up to Ava, grasping her by a bruised wrist and pulled her out of the cell. In the hallway, she was shoved to the back of a line of girls being paraded out of the main living area. “Was the other night not enough to teach you to toe the line?” ​ Ava choked back the tears that immediately rushed to the surface at the crass reminder of three nights ago, by far the hardest lesson the dungeon had given to Ava. *Right*, Ava thought. *You don’t need a mob for things to get deadly down here.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ Ava was flat on her back, reeling from the sudden severance of her connection to Mia, her Wolf. Different from the usual suppression caused by their silver shackles, Mia was…gone. ​ She heard a choked gasp and looked over to see Layla, *sweet Layla*, gasping for air that couldn’t quite make it past the gaping slash across her throat. ​ “*No*,” Ava fought down her pain and confusion, crawling to kneel beside the dying girl. How did this happen? Who’d hurt Layla? She was the kindest soul Ava had ever met in her life, the only prisoner who never caused or attracted trouble. She’d taken Ava under her wing and saved her from herself countless times over the years. This was…unfathomable. “Layla, I’m so sorry,” she sobbed. “Please hold on.” ​ Through her own blood and tears, Layla’s lips twitched up into a smile. She whispered something Ava couldn’t quite catch right before the light faded from her warm brown eyes. ​ “Layla –” A baton came down on Ava’s back as she was dragged away, sobbing not just for the loss of another friend, but for the soul who never deserved to be here and would never get the chance to leave. ​ Ava knew she’d have to do it for her, somehow. It was Layla’s last wish, even if Ava couldn’t hear her, she knew what Layla had reminded her with her last breath. *California.* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ​ “We have enough.” ​ Ava looked up to find herself in a holding room with a dozen other females. An unfamiliar female walked down the line of women, examining them closely. When she came to Ava at the end of the line, the female grimaced at Ava’s smattering of deep purple bruises. “They’ll do,” she nodded. With a shove, the guard behind her prompted her to follow the line of girls out of a set of metal doors Ava hadn’t seen since she’d been brought here. ​ A gentle breeze caressed her feverish skin, halting Ava in her tracks. Looking up, she nearly cried at the sight of the moon cradled by a sea of stars overhead. They were outside! For the first time in three years, Ava could see the sky. By the sobbing gasps around her, Ava knew she wasn’t the only one feeling a weight lifted from their shoulders. ​ “Enough! Get them inside before we’re seen.” The clipped command was the last thing Ava heard before a back was thrown over her head. Cries from the girls were muffled by the sound of an engine revving to life. Ava was hefted bodily into the air, ribs screaming, and thrown into what could only be the back of a van. Her protests joined the other women’s as metal doors slammed shut and their new cage began to move. After three years, Ava was finally leaving the dungeon. Only, she had a sinking feeling she was going to wish she’d stayed. By the time the truck had rolled to a stop, Ava had successfully navigated the extreme sense of panic and dread that had plagued her for most of the sightless ride and settled into a grim determination to face whatever was coming head-on. If she’d learned anything over the last three years, it was that the adaptable ones survive the longest. To make it in the dungeon she’d figured out how to cage the fighter she’d been born to be and cow herself in effort to not draw unwanted attention. She didn’t know what fresh hell these new circumstances would bring, but Ava was ready to re-light her fire, if the opportunity called for it. Even if Mia was still silent. Despite the countless morbid scenarios flitting across her mind, the jagged hole in her…inner self where Mia should be, was an ever-present distraction. She didn’t know what exactly had been done to her to sever their bond, in fact that entire cursed night was a blur. Even as she focused on her memories of a couple nights ago, only vague fleeting images flashed across her mind’s eye. There had been a confrontation that had turned violent, as most confrontations usually did in the dungeon. Ava’s body was consumed with a pain more deeply profound than any she’d experienced during her time in the dungeon or before. It went beyond physical pain, manifesting in ways Ava simply didn’t have the correct vocabulary to properly verbalize. It had been as if her soul had been torn in two, but that didn’t feel like a proper explanation, either. Mia was part of Ava, as all Wolves were a part of their hosts, but she was her own entity as well – the primal beast inside the sentient female. They shared a body and a fate, but both functioned independently of one another, Ava had full rein of their human body and when it came time to hand over the reins and transform, Mia took control of their lupine form. The relationship between a host and their Wolf is a symbiotic one with each consciousness contributing unique attributes to the other in order to make both forms strong. Ava gave Mia sentience, the ability to cognate above a common wolf’s level, making her a fierce strategist, as well as an asset to the Pack both in and out of human form. For Ava, Mia heightened her humanity, giving her increased reflexes, senses, and strength. Mia gave Ava a canine’s sixth sense of primal instinct and established the preternatural bonds that shape a Wolf Pack, allowing them to recognize one another’s status. In another life, Mia might have recognized her mate in another Wolf, solidifying a bond with their perfect partner, ensuring a life a connection and contentment for them both. Now, that reality seemed so far outside the realm of impossibility, least of all being the fact that Ava hadn’t felt a trace of Mia’s latent consciousness in the three days since Layla died. Currently sitting shackled and hooded in the back of a van going the moon knows where, Ava would be lucky if anything other than a gory, prolonged death awaited her whenever the doors finally opened. When they finally do, Ava braced herself for the worst, her body going taught as a bow string when a calloused hand drags her out of the back of the vehicle. Silently, she tries to gain her bearings, straining to hone her senses, looking for any clue as to where they’ve been taken. With Mia out of commission, though, all she can hear is the panicked heavy breaths of a dozen terrified women being shuffled out of a murder van. “Where are we?” Ava chances the question, willing to risk getting hit in order to suss out any useful information about their situation. “Quiet female. You’ll find out soon enough.” A guard answered. Female. Not ‘rat,’ which is what the dungeon guards called most of the prisoners, or ‘beta bitch,’ which is what they usually reserved especially for her. And when a hand grasped her arm, prompting her to move, it guided her rather than dragged her wherever she was meant to go. “You aren’t the prison guards.” She already knew by the lack of vitriol in the way that they moved, spoke, and comported themselves. Her suspicions were confirmed when her escort scoffed. “Hardly.” He didn’t elaborate and Ava didn’t need Mia to know better than to push her luck with him. They might not be the jaded, cruel prison guards she’d known for the past three years, but she didn’t know these people or what they were planning to do with her and the other females. Ava watched true crime religiously. Just because they weren’t being abused now didn’t mean they weren’t in store for worse than the dungeon had to offer. So, she’d continue to keep her guard up. Without Mia’s superhuman senses, Ava soon loses track of where they’re being led. Eventually, the cool night air falls away to the artificial bite of central air conditioning. *We’re in a building with AC*, Ava warily mused. *Murderers don’t use AC, right?* Ava felt her confusion grow as she picked up the distant sound of dance music. Not the kind you’d find on the radio or in a night club, but a more curated international sound better suited to the fancy lounges her dad and the other men in the Pack were fond of visiting in the city. Finally, the line came to a stop. For a long couple of minutes nothing happened and, despite her shackles, Ava tensed to bolt just as the hood was ripped from her head. She winced at the sudden light, but as the sunspots faded from her eyes and her vision came into focus, Ava’s confusion solidified into a hefty lump of apprehension sitting low in her stomach. The room they were in looked an awful lot like the lounges Ava had thought of before. Dark leather couches accented with emerald velveteen settees and ottomans filled a room that’s walls were lined with far too many mirrors, gilded though they were. The ceiling of the room was covered in dormant strobe lights and, of course, more mirrors. Ava’s eyes followed the long shiny line of bronze poles to where they stood affixed in immaculately polished black marble floors. Ava’s expectations for the upcoming events quickly realigned as she took in the room’s more…specific details. Like the bronze chains that hung from the ceiling, some ending in bronze bars, while others led to leather handcuffs. When she spotted a large dark X-shaped structure at one end of the room, Ava’s suspicions were all but confirmed. *A sex club*. Within the span of a few hours, Ava had gone from resigning herself to dying early and unacknowledged in a pit to standing in what looked to be a posh bar for the kinkily inclined. Ava was scared, of course she was. On her mental list of worst-case scenarios, being sold to a sex club was surely up there. But, taking in her surroundings, this didn’t look like the seedy urban underbelly she’d imagined. This looked like a way out. Ava was steadily putting together the bones of a plan when a beautiful woman walks through a gilded glass door. Tall with long black hair and cheekbones like steel, this woman had *presence*. Her dulled senses prevented Ava from picking up any specific information about the woman, but Ava knew she was a Wolf and that, whatever this establishment was, it was hers. “Madame Bella, they’ve arrived,” the female from the prison walked stand behind their tall, lavishly dressed hostess. Lighting a cigarette, Madame Bella slowly walked down the line considering each of the filthy, trembling females, much like her minion had back in the holding room. “Such. Pretty. Omegas.” Each of her words was punctuated by the sharp *click* of her six-inch stilettos. When she came to Ava she stopped, taking a drag of her cigarette without breaking eye-contact. “Not an Omega.” She raised her hand with the cigarette in summons, “Dorinda, explain this one.” The female from prison, their handler Ava guessed, rushed to Madame Bella’s side, “This one’s not an Omega, Madame. But, if the guards were to be believed, she *is* untouched.” Bella’s eyebrow quirks in interest, “In this day and age? Impressive find, Dorinda. Why can’t I read her?” Dorinda swallows silently, “There’s something wrong with her Wolf. They didn’t elaborate, but her connection was severed, she’s effectively human.” Ava refused to flinch at the stark words and held her chin up when the other females had nerve enough to stare at her, appalled. Even now, she was the odd one out. “*Human*,” Bella said it the same way one says *unexpected garbage*. “And what am I supposed to do with something so weak, Dorinda? Take it back.” With a dismissive wave, Bella began to turn away. “But…she’s…a –“ “A what, Dorinda? A virgin?” She cut the other woman off. “Woman, please. Even I’m not so callous to give a defenseless innocent to a rutting Alpha. She’ll be torn to shreds before she can pay off the cost of the clean-up crew.” Several of the other females begin to weep as Madame Bella rolls her expressionless eyes. “She’s useless to me. Take her back.” ​ When the female turned to leave again, Ava knew her chance for survival would walk away with her. “Wait!” She put every bit of authority she’d inherited from her title into her voice. If there was a time for gambling, it was now. “You can’t send me back.” ​ Bella paused, eyebrow quirking again, this time, Ava expected, in amusement. “And why, pray tell, is that?” ​ “The dungeon is a lot of things, but it’s not a brothel,” Ava gestured to the other girls. “Whatever this deal was, I highly doubt it was on the up-and-up. If you send me back, I might let something slip.” ​ Any amusement abruptly vacated the woman’s diamond-hard face. Ava knew she was over-playing her hand, but she felt more in her element parlaying with this intimidating female than she had in years. “You raise a fair point. Why don’t I just dispose of you instead?” ​ Ava set her jaw, “This is a pretty nice-looking establishment, all things considered. I don’t think you like getting your hands dirty.” ​ Bella cocked her head in bemusement, “Darling, if you think I need to sully my hands to get things done, you’re not as quick as I was beginning to think you were.” ​ Ava shrugged, effecting an air of nonchalance she didn’t feel, “Fair point,” she parroted. “I may not be able to make you money in the…traditional sense, but I’ve got something the others don’t.” ​ When Bella didn’t cut her off, she gestured to the crying bewildered girls beside her, “I have drive. I *want* to be here. I’ll wait tables or wash your unmentionables, whatever you need me to do, I’m *willing*.” ​ The stern female considered Ava again, a new emotion almost like respect reflecting in her gaze. “Why? Cry as they might, they’ll earn enough to buy their way out of here within a couple of years. Scrubbing toilets isn’t nearly as lucrative. Where’s your hope, girl?” ​ Ava smirked mirthlessly, “That died a long time ago. And have you seen the prison? If you had, scrubbing toilets wouldn’t seem so bad.” ​ A quick almost-smile flashed across Bella’s lips, gone before Ava was certain it had ever been there at all. “Fine,” was all she said before sauntering out of the room, leaving the handlers to see to the shaken girls. ​ Twenty minutes later, Ava found herself in a closet-sized room, bland and small, but dry and relatively safe. Best of all, it had a tiny window, small enough to ensure she stay in place, but just enough to let her watch the stars. And she did. For the first time in years, Ave prayed directly to the moon until dawn broke. ————————— Download the app and read the follow-up of the story>>> Free reading without any hidden fees>>>		Global Free Novel Craze		301	https://www.facebook.com/61569924960322/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731591	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/1/25, 11:58 AM	1740993487	1746118682		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DALPF1052209.html?language=en&timestamp=1740923292328&channelCode=DALPF1052209&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481336351_3975234316138670_8889684481112354414_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KwARRAqpOhAQ7kNvgGHOz1i&_nc_oc=AdjoVc_euv7EtWrMdQhn7cniZoAkfh9D-ElTvtnb4qFN3dgSm8yNxoScO4w7A6w00qYw8PV8FRkuzL2isOkBfCPs&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYARnemDYEaLWVnVX8kxA1o_EQFjjD6A37BRDM7K6IGLIA&oe=67CB5471	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732299	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 12:24 AM	1740993502	1749878655		2747																										b.ficsworld.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvNDQ0MjY2LzIwMjUwMzAxMTUwNDAyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}			1.3929959592993E+14	World002	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481961100_669355948997307_7885026236129108954_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rk1G3AOVxLEQ7kNvgHNu9Qm&_nc_oc=AdhQwefDRX3QUXPptiFa3KE7tr3jpSnAVh8mRnPJWx6-1Ng2ZLUNSFFHOwqxNtNYKGkg-8o6LDfDK59T3o6VQTwb&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AVWV6eea8qDoOMvV1QDI0tk&oh=00_AYBEJePm_AojnFYODTaiTmv42J7hPTFj_dsrfskuIQdMkg&oe=67CB309B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		I thought our arranged marriage had turned into love for both of us. I discovered how wrong I was the day when I heard him calling his mistress and saying that he would divorce me soon. -- "It's sorted." "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." _____________ Lily "You sure you don't want to come with me?" My husband–because I can call him that now–lies back on the massive bed, legs crossed at the ankle and arms tucked behind his head. He's wearing dark sweats, but is shirtless, the heat of the day combating the A/C in our suite. My eyes linger on him, unable to believe that this man is mine, and his lips curl up into a lazy grin, flashing white teeth at me. Butterflies take off in my belly, as strong as they were the day I met him just over a year ago. "I'm sure, baby," Declan tells me smoothly, his voice like honeyed whiskey stroking each nerve-ending. "I'm sick of sand, honestly. And I didn't sleep well last night." He shoots me a saucy wink, and I flush with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. Before him, I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Love was just something you did with someone, but it was never anything to brag home about. But now... as soon as Declan puts a finger on me, or as soon as he whispers his dirty words in my hair, I feel like I lose my mind. Even now, the ache between my thighs isn't enough to tempt me away from crawling into bed with him, except I can see the faint bruises lining his eyes. He's not lying about being tired. "Alright." I tug my beach tote up onto my shoulder, sliding my flip-flops on. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, but I have my phone if you need me." He tips his chin at me, eyes already heavy-lidded, but I can't resist leaning over the bed for one last peck. Almost immediately, his hand curls around the back of the head, holding me firmly as he takes over, his tongue dipping into my mouth and tangling against mine with sensual promise. When I finally drag myself away with a reluctant groan, his lips are shiny, his tongue trailing over the bottom one as if chasing the taste of me. His eyes are molten and dark, pools of melted chocolate drawing me in like a magnet. He chuckles, a husky sound, his hand letting me go to trail a soft hand over my cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of my mouth. "Sorry, baby. Stubble burn." "It's okay," I murmur, adding dryly, "It's not the only place you got me." His eyes dip down, tracing over breasts covered in my yellow sundress and then further down, to where the hemline playfully flirts with my upper thighs. Swallowing thickly, I take a step back. "I'd better go." He nods, hand dropping away, his eyes tracking me as I leave the bedroom. I half-shut the door, checking I've got my room key on me and then head out, looking forward to lounging in the sun for the third day in a row. It's only the first week of our two-week long honeymoon at a resort in Hawaii. After the stress of planning a wedding for over a hundred guests, it's been heaven to relax, cocooned in our little bubble together. From almost the first moment of meeting Declan, I knew he was it for me; that he was the one. It'd been a cute meet–me leaving the Sugar Bean, and him going in with his eyes on his phone. We'd crashed into each other and my hazelnut latte had gone everywhere, luckily cold enough that it hadn't burned. Dec had apologized profusely, insisting on trying to clean me up and buying me a fresh coffee. I'd been late for a yoga class at Sasha's studio, but he'd convinced me into sharing a table with him and then he was giving me his phone number and demanding I call him so I'd have his. Lurching out of my daydreams, I frown in front of the elevator, trying to remember if I'd actually grabbed my phone before I'd left, or if it was still on the side table near the door. A quick search through my bag doesn't turn it up, so I head back and quietly edge the door open, not wanting to wake him if he's already asleep. My phone is right there, so I reach out to grab it just as I hear his voice from the bedroom. "It's sorted." I pause, unused to hearing such a dispassionate tone from him. I open my mouth to ask what he's talking about, sure he must have heard me come back in, but then he keeps talking. "She has no idea. I've got it all in hand." Lily He's on the phone. My stomach swoops low, something uneasy slithering down my spine. It almost feels like a scaly snake, looking for a place to sink its fangs, and I debate whether to leave or keep listening to a conversation I'm a thousand percent positive I'm not supposed to be hearing. Before I choose between flight and freeze, he hums softly, a hint of softness creeping in. "Silvia, you need to trust me." The fangs sink deep into my skin, making my heart lurch in my chest. Silvia was his friend, someone he's grown up with, someone who hated me on-sight and has taken every opportunity to slice at me with her razor-sharp tongue. I mentioned it to Declan once. Not anything bad, just that she made me uncomfortable, but he'd just dismissed my worries, telling me it was all in my head. After the third time, he'd snapped, telling me my insecurities were not Silvia's–or his–problem and she was one of his oldest friends, so I needed to find a way to get on with her. I'd learned real quick to keep my mouth shut, terrified of rocking the boat. Even when I'd heard her cackling with her friends about my lack of class, my gap-toothed smile, and the fact I was reaching by thinking I could ever keep someone like Declan Masters. Declan, who'd always said the gap between my front teeth was endearing. I was so in love with him, I'd been blind to every single red flag, but I'm seeing them now. Why is he talking to her on our honeymoon? And what don't I know? Because he was talking about me. I'm not naive enough to believe otherwise. "I have it all under control, sweetheart." The endearment has my heart thundering so hard, I'm concerned I'm about to reenact a scene from Alien when the organ just bursts out of my chest. There's a long pause and a muffled step, like he's moving around the bedroom. I shuffle backwards, tucking myself behind the door and spinning wildly for an excuse for if he suddenly comes into the other room and finds me there. "I'll get her father to sign the papers when I'm back. I told you all of this before we left. Once everything's in my name, I'll end it. Silvia, for Christ's sake," he suddenly grunts out, frustration leaking through. I can almost see him thrusting a hand through his blond hair as he glares off into space. "Cut the dramatics, would you? You know that this is the way it had to be done. He was never just going to hand the company over to me, not when there's so much bad blood between him and my father." Another pause, but then he sighs. "Look, I can't talk about this right now. I'll meet with you as soon as we're back. I've already put plans in motion that will cut our trip short 'unexpectedly'." He chuckles, but nothing about it sounds familiar. It feels like I'm listening to a stranger, not the man I promised forever to. "I'll see you in a few days, sweetheart." My throat feels so thick, as if it's closing up. I suck in a rough breath, taking another step out into the hallway and slowly easing the door closed. The click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot, and I trip backwards, staring at the wooden paneling, waiting for it to open and for my husband to appear, his eyes cold and accusing. A minute later and nothing happens. I can't stay here, though. I can't face him when I don't understand what's happening, but I know it's not good. He's lied about everything, and now I'm lost, unsure what I should do. Spinning on my heel, I practically run for the elevator, mashing the button until the doors slide open and revealing an empty car. Relief spikes, but it barely dents the adrenaline and panic racing through my system. I hit the button for the lobby and then lift my phone, pulling up my contacts. Scrolling frantically through them, I find the one I want and press it, listening to it ring once before a voice answers. "I need help." Lily The waves roll gently against the sand, the sounds of people laughing and splashing reaching my ears. The breeze is warm, tangling in my loose hair and the palm fronds shading me from above. I dig my toes into the warm sand, feeling the gritty texture and letting it ground me in the present. In my ear, Sasha asks quietly, "Did you misunderstand?" We've been on the phone for two hours, talking everything out–and racking up an enormous phone bill–but I still feel just as lost as when I first called. "You need to be sure about this. Especially if you're thinking of doing something drastic." Like divorce him, I supply silently. That's pretty darn drastic. "Declan is..." she falters, but pushes on, "he loves you. Anyone can see that. Do you really think he's this good of an actor? To fool you and everyone else?" It's not the first time she's asked, but I understand her reticence. She didn't hear what I heard. "It was pretty hard to misunderstand." I'm not proud of the bitterness in my voice, but I'm giving myself some grace. I fall silent, waiting for a couple to pass in front of me, their hands tucked around each other's waists and their smiles bright. "He called her sweetheart," I remind Sasha. "He promised to meet with her as soon as we get back. You know, after he unexpectedly cuts our trip short." She hums her agreement, unable to argue with the facts. She knows how Silvia has treated me over the past year, and how Declan has brushed my concerns off. "Are you going to tell your dad?" I've been turning this over and over in my mind, wondering what the right thing to do is. If I tell my father about Declan's duplicity, he'll cancel the sale of Hi-Tech immediately. I'm his only child, and it's been just as for a long time after my mother packed up and left when I was four. He's always had my back, and this won't be any different. But... "He's planning on retiring, Sash. He's over the moon that he's gained a son in Dec and has someone to pass the company on to. You know I never wanted that, and he hid it well, but he was always a little disappointed about that." "I know," she murmurs. "But if he finds out he sold it to Declan and you didn't tell him? That'll kill him, Lily." "He'll still have the money, though." I know Declan is paying a fair price for Hi-Tech, just a little under market value. But Dad had insisted on that, calling it a family discount. "You dad doesn't care about the money," she argues. "If only I'd picked someone to marry who was like him," I muse. "Isn't that what usually happens? You marry someone who reminds you of your father?" "You thought you did. Are you sure–?" "Sasha," I interrupt, "If Declan wanted the company so badly that he would fake a relationship with me for a year and then marry me, he's welcome to it. I know Dad loves Hi-Tech, but there's more to life than the business." I pause, swallowing past the thickness in my throat. "But what do I do right now?" I hate the lost note to my question, knowing she'll hear it. We've been friends since middle school and, apart from my father, no one knows me better than Sasha Delware. She sighs softly, and I wish so badly that she was here right now, talking me down in person. "You get you in order, Lily, and fake it til you make it. Put his acting to shame, and pretend nothing is amiss until you get home." "And then?" "And then you get away from Declan Masters." I sniffle quietly, my emotions finally overwhelming me. My left hand lies limply in my lap, the diamonds on the silver bands gleaming at me. Mocking me. "I thought he was my forever," I whisper, clenching my hand into a fist and looking away. "I thought–" My voice cracks and I clamp my lips shut, unwilling to give in to the swell of emotion, knowing if I do, I won't be able to lock it back down. "I know," she says soothingly. "It's going to be okay. We'll get you through this." My phone buzzes in my hand and I pull it away from my ear, finding a new message from my husband. Declan: Hey baby, where are you? Our reservations are in an hour. Putting the phone back to my ear, I murmur, "I have to go. He's looking for me." Sasha firms up her voice, telling me, "You have this. He doesn't know who he's messing with." "It doesn't feel like it, Sash. I feel like a crumpled, broken doll." "Well, you do and you aren't." She sounds huffy now, and I can't help the smile. "And as soon as you get back, I'll tape you together–" "I thought I wasn't a broken doll," I interrupt, but she ignores me. "And we'll drink tequila until our faces are numb and we're puking our guts out. And when you don't even remember that scumbag's name, you'll get under some hot new thing." Her voice turns sly, "You know, Justin will be thrilled about this new development." I wince. "We're just friends," I remind her. "Babe, if he ever looked at me the way he looks at you, my underwear would actually catch fire." I splutter out a laugh. "Thanks for that visual," I tell her dryly. "You're welcome to him." "He doesn't want me, Lily. He was devastated at the wedding, I could tell." "I know the feeling." Thankfully, she lets the subject go; the conversation turning a little lighter as we chat for a few more minutes. My phone vibrates again, another message from Declan telling me he's getting worried, so I reluctantly end the call, feeling all the hopelessness and devastation rush back in. He was the first person I'd truly trusted with my heart, and he'd callously crushed it. And for what?		World002		115	https://www.facebook.com/61551823504143/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731551	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:50 PM	1740993486	1749927035		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥 Download Goodnovel to read the full novel 😍👉👉👉👉 "Seducing My Ex's Father In Law"		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			3.0973146556018E+14	Enjoying reading	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480800101_1191426596322522_3164590374852453069_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8FX0k3aTe5IQ7kNvgHlXr2r&_nc_oc=AdiLe8nGOc1RmdWbg5U_91VXL3fuLYHgxCaohEsFhvGeXiaENp-fZsQgXzsk3UyXkA3e-osgzLR9Yqh5UWaMoHPZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQet_-HpTfv0xCaEpdUk14H&oh=00_AYD_Ss30Fb61PFXRRbuo67Wf9uAMUFk5muFlPgDYoVFWyQ&oe=67CB492F	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Enjoying reading		314	https://www.facebook.com/61559698863477/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731902	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:52 PM	1740993494	1749927155		2747																										www.temu.com	Shop now			VIDEO	Unbeatable Prices on Temu	Unbeatable Prices on Repair Products	https://www.temu.com/ul/kuiper/un1.html?subj=feed-un&_bg_fs=1&_p_mat1_type=4&_p_jump_id=723&_x_vst_scene=adg&locale_override=211~~USD&goods_id=601099631329275&_p_rfs=1&_x_ads_channel=facebook&_x_bg_adid=19580229&_x_ads_set={{campaign.id}}&_x_ads_id={{adset.id}}&_x_ads_creative_id={{ad.id}}&_x_ns_source={{site_source_name}}&_x_ns_placement={{placement}}			1.0188695263846E+14	Temu	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482123572_618606404514276_7784522701840885088_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Lgun4sQJATkQ7kNvgHNiCNp&_nc_oc=AdicOS33g8eF2-gs431p6QzxYEFb9vbSIy9kvETbBJRJsvDo94fID_-dZKfWvn8GDqunDkN8LMSyHV9ehB-hQzFC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYDnMWRo9fCfe_QuDwRY25hyeoQK0bOKR_kKzDHvnaxj3w&oe=67CB28D8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Shop your tool on Temu at low prices with great discounts.		Temu		5506897	https://www.facebook.com/shoptemu/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
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2731464	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 11:45 AM	1740993484	1746204306		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481301474_4124666204518463_4381938503500604917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sjilIpAziXcQ7kNvgHOEd-p&_nc_oc=AdjPmaGq2C68k3nkvMdO9oWDZvNlFIfrcCWkFUwxtWh_C7tq3e3Jigp7NCgs-HyiHAaLLm4osD6SYrTHwO3zc526&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYA8oSuWnIuWYFuPjTqxz708PpmQzslHt4ArLjHBEYcDWQ&oe=67CB5568	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2731380	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 7:00 AM	1740993483	1746187218		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			IMAGE	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481083282_1346415179704631_7716537559680863976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w7iTqCCeqbgQ7kNvgGRV0aN&_nc_oc=AdgXDokQG6beDksSjl7i9X31tAMTnjKqBtTGQWb_JsxROvJmvJ5SSl5H6t1ZCdaH-qFBwsmSmpJ2i4T_y_efHeTv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-38cayeZ_5J-7blt_wflUA&oh=00_AYA-ea3dJntlBI8vfUujAqfSiT_XnyYiR0i_GiVPXWCf7g&oe=67CB2511	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731574	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 2:21 PM	1740993487	1746213713		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481265709_1350170426331316_6466560614190213768_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1_4cKsNQzKcQ7kNvgFfXL0x&_nc_oc=AdiZZQY6nqvTXutsnHTiVmVHT_VeosnEjlgq5TpSNMiEL_esVV0pYXnoC-1l0RsbAY8a3gunyghxFah07NfMhK9l&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYDxRC_vUKLFr0rwb9psqtiepacPhixPlZOJpcNnfRyGSw&oe=67CB4CE0	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Watch more exciting content now! ️🤩		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731575	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 2:26 PM	1740993487	1746213970		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO			http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481183497_2006614579849673_2614939418340034727_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7UJqyi2BLkQQ7kNvgET5Lma&_nc_oc=AdiQJvvEu6IM0FES5IF32JwKr64ic86uoQ95b0DXiEZi2uuYdaNTPKZVaRdL3j_WOeo_e5dVEDTGZ-1E_1bx5ao2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ABmavvV6r0qvb9iTSOBDyMH&oh=00_AYDQMaP_qFhqsCVW84AB_ixhBiMn5TVbpVHekoKdCZ6h0w&oe=67CB4800	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Watch more exciting content now! ️🤩		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336043	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731510	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 2:27 PM	1740993485	1746214058		2747																										nervanora.com	Shop Now			DCO	Take back your life and start living pain-free.	{{product.description}}	https://nervanora.com/pages/copy-of-nervanora?_ab=0&key=1740830676934&fbclid=fbclid			4.8054216848505E+14	Mag Serenity	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481074539_1149305113051897_5932531265806291286_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qHtxln8jLhgQ7kNvgFsvJXY&_nc_oc=AdjltDCeQzTvgzq_dI7cS7-t-AVgjl66njCrZaEA7NcyeflAk4j3oUnSyMg0F9Xr46XQ0vOazsaJIbNMy55Sqy6d&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AoR9RO5lp0VyN8Vmtr7BML7&oh=00_AYD5as0TgWgNvK1gJLvruqPvmsfOLnQqsu0ng39KsKa3SA&oe=67CB42DF	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Struggling with neuropathy, pain, and sleepless nights?Struggling with burning, tingling, nerve pain, and sleepless nights? Whether your discomfort is due to diabetes, age, or underlying health conditions... nerve pain can disrupt your life and sleep. It's essential to find a solution before another night of pain and discomfort takes its toll... Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion harnesses the power of magnesium to offer relief from neuropathy, pain, and sleep disturbances almost instantly. This special blend seeps deep into the skin, targeting the root cause of your nerve pain discomfort. Just a dab before bedtime is all it takes, and you can drift into a peaceful, deep sleep, free from nerve pain. Mama Bear Nerve Relief Lotion also comes with FREE Shipping & a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Experience pain relief and restful nights or get your money back, guaranteed. ✅ Alleviates nerve pain ✅ Natural magnesium blend for effective pain relief (no harsh chemicals) ✅ Endorsed & loved by those suffering from nerve pain across the country for its effectiveness		Mag Serenity		17	https://www.facebook.com/61571848267243/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731703	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:49 AM	1740993490	1749275341		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059360.html?language=en&timestamp=1740741297355&channelCode=DLLPF1059360&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481083256_1362888951374409_7104103562967591234_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dtAqRby-eOsQ7kNvgFrLwqe&_nc_oc=Adg6DHnxp-FivX40FLoG5ll2Lzhj6UNjkx4z60z_v6CWqMSynR4-AW9EhEACszkdlQDwbzoD8HJssXzMEDxoqbU_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ANAuS3EKAJub7qW-ZiHweic&oh=00_AYA40RsHiuu84b96ShQepW2-tVhkg0zXDhVH7ndv9lZv-g&oe=67CB4403	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336045	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731823	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 3:52 PM	1740993492	1746219153		2747																										w2a.reelshort.com	Watch more			VIDEO	날 해고해? 망하고나서 울고불고하지 마		https://w2a.reelshort.com/w2a/booksAdvPageV2/?book_id=678a202609669df8c00d2715&chapterId=ahyo8d8rco&chapterIndex=1&mediaType=fb&px=2674%253A41782236683&push_type=2&book_type=1&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}			1.1141309500447E+14	ReelShort	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481070926_984645689989148_6589652340511183594_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dd-J8vCvznoQ7kNvgEYQ4q7&_nc_oc=AdgMYV5aJOopwH4Pwfwn6lCKSW_jLeLJyzgSBT3zhfUOO0v6guRtuo2I3pvO8A-y-2eWUJKCK047MEsMnaa-KhKh&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYC3n3wxjo9mYMkxIDOGksL1Xr4XSphDCXob1CyCPAwFEQ&oe=67CB34E7	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		실리콘밸리 최고의 기술 천재인 에릭은 대표의 아들 윌리엄에게 해고당한 후, 전 직장의 경쟁사 대표이자 매력적인 여성인 에블린과 손을 잡는다. 하여 에릭의 전 직장은 파산 위기에 처하게 되고 윌리엄은 그제야 자신이 실수한 걸 깨닫지만 이미 모든 것이 늦어버린 뒤였다.		ReelShort		1247730	https://www.facebook.com/reelshortapp/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731475	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 5:20 PM	1740993485	1746224430		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481240595_650877627325425_7579292213860852873_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=9kg0pQ5LYccQ7kNvgE-gaOj&_nc_oc=AdhDWcOiG1ClfEjApSKA6UD_QMa8EZr2XiQuflkTYBuorsJhBt5GhWOM9zS8iUy5QUPcA7ikeuo0QR9Eb10hyXsJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AaAhAOR24rYtqKTNzcSDfZX&oh=00_AYCzh9-eMTqxJwu31MzHw5nCABgHKOlxpBCgdzIhAbsb2g&oe=67CB3075	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731658	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 2:34 PM	1740993489	1746214472		2747																										fb.me	Get Offer			DCO	Transform Your Mobility with a FREE Professional Stretch – Limited Offer	Ready to stretch your limits? Join us at InMotion Wellness and feel the difference!	http://fb.me/			1.1746754806713E+14	InMotion Wellness Studio Brunswick	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/471170629_1105712801256925_2435536035930436857_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=z2Makp8EIwYQ7kNvgF0o1cb&_nc_oc=Adi-9skDf2QpeLhFiUOGiD9R5SwKsz1Qq7N8nam8dDK3olqKAiG-0Pc_WK7zyqnCxcPpMT9V-SK5SuOn88tkukg1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AF8snWkxP1jkY_BSQxySYid&oh=00_AYC9c-Y__KEviKILKUnzmNBEnp89_RcRRA9irJNYsbO58A&oe=67CB47F2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Hey #InMotionWellnessFam! 🤸‍♂️ Feel like you’re missing out on your true physical potential? Step into a new stretch of life with our FREE 30-minute assisted stretch session! Perfect for anyone from fitness freaks to desk job warriors! 🧘‍♀️ 👇 Why You Can’t Miss This Offer 👇 🔄 Increased Flexibility & Enhanced Mobility 🛑 Sciatic Pain Reduction 🏋️‍♂️ Stretches Performed by Certified Motion Specialists 🎯 Tailored to Your Body’s Specific Needs 🗣️ Hear From Our Happy Stretchers: “After just one session, my back felt incredible! Highly recommend!” - James L. “I didn’t realize how stiff I was until InMotion helped. It’s a game changer!” - Sarah K. 📍 Located conveniently at 3702 Center Rd. Brunswick, OH. 44212 📅 Limited slots available! Don’t miss out on making the first move towards a pain-free, flexible life! ✨ Book Your Free Stretch Now! ✨ #InMotionWellness #FeelTheStretch #BodyMobility #PainRelief #NewYou		InMotion Wellness Studio Brunswick		367	https://www.facebook.com/inmotionwellnessstudiobrunswick/	0		GET_OFFER								View Edit Delete
2731441	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/13/25, 11:12 AM	1740993484	1749831139		2747																										fb.me	Learn more			VIDEO	Get Relief. $27 New Patient Special. Exam, Nerve Scan, X-rays (if needed) & Doctors Report of Findings	80+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews	http://fb.me/			1.0107303953128E+14	Bridge Wellness Center	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/391593994_323627636949554_1551900834151724422_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Azsao_yFTGsQ7kNvgFlgcln&_nc_oc=AdgfPFBTaIv3w734CridKEZcZClY8cAVC7f6jRTRnZX0EkD5kDL0QAMk-ab_52CBXWExJZqec28huSkjibZOHsS8&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYDq0XLxReGe0ZfrlJafxcLTYqOLuix1QX7AbK01YApDsQ&oe=67CB2B50	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Dealing with headaches, back pain, neck pain, or chronic muscle tension? We get it. It’s frustrating. - Hey there! Welcome to Bridge Wellness Chiropractic. We’re all about getting to the root cause. And guess what? We have a social media special for anyone who needs to get care right now. - For a limited time, snag our special offer for only $27! It’s a complete package with an Exam, X-rays (if needed).Range of Motion Test, Nerve Scan, & Doctor’s Report of Findings. - "10/10 Great experience! Dr. Matt is very attentive and caring. This is not like a normal chiropractor's office. Dr. Matt takes a very holistic approach making sure to look at the whole picture of wellness. Before and after care help your body really prepare and hold the adjustment. I am very thankful I found this place! Great place to connect with like-minded people who care about wellness.." Kaity ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Simply click that “Learn More” button to secure a spot and book an appointment with our amazing team. Oh, and by the way, spots are limited, so don’t wait too long to grab this exclusive offer. - Say goodbye to pain and hello to a fresh start.		Bridge Wellness Center		253	https://www.facebook.com/bridgewellnesscenteraz/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731401	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/12/25, 7:05 PM	1740993483	1749773152		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔥NEW POPULAR READ🔥		https://getokn.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=18448&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.1900405462262E+14	Galaxy in the Story	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480697367_524035013584791_2257966911237764796_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lQDq9kH_SWIQ7kNvgGt_cDv&_nc_oc=AdjuyNo99WaxawEpRulQw5QDfR8Qg-ZjkVio_gNAqYCq-xOryixm7JQVw-K33eZNGfJp_FpmferqtxP9bJ2ff6Q-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AJbci1YSzsbVYp3XyEYlW_A&oh=00_AYCnK8yg71mzLQzOQtbMeb5su33pgpAJnTz7EPGm4XtOVw&oe=67CB2C3B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. If I lied, she’d be able to see right through me. I was a terrible liar initially, but Nan could read me like a book. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed. Chapter 4 Judy’s POV “Mr. Landry,” the receptionist said, quickly standing to her feet. She suddenly seemed disheveled, and I wanted to smirk with satisfaction, but I kept it held in. “I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, narrowing his eyes at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them or not. Not you.” She swallowed and glanced at the ground as if staring directly at him physically hurt her. “Come with me.” It took me a second to realize he was speaking to me, but when I saw the receptionist glaring at me and Gavin’s retreating back, I nearly stumbled over my feet to catch up to him. He walked through a luxurious waiting room until we reached a glass elevator. It was very high-tech with a touch screen attached to it. He brought up a keypad and typed in some sequence before pressing the floor number. He stood so close to me that the elevator felt almost cramped, despite it being a wide space. I could smell his incredible minty scent, mixed in with his aftershave and my heart skipped a beat. He didn’t bother looking at me though and I was starting to doubt this plan would work. Maybe he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did. I felt awkward knowing that under this coat was nothing but lingerie. The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. It was an extremely large space with marble flooring and granite walls. “Where exactly is your office?” I asked, staring around the gorgeous area. He glanced at me; his face kept indifferent. “This is my office.” My eyes grew large at his words. He continued walking until he rounded the corner and sure enough, there was his desk right in front of large windows that overlooked the human city. It was gorgeous and my stomach twisted with nerves. He didn’t bother sitting on his desk chair. Instead, he turned to face me, leaning against his desk and folding his arms across his chest. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took him in. He wore a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up halfway, showing off his incredible muscles and his dark dress pants hugged his waist perfectly, showcasing his incredible form. My wolf purred with satisfaction, and I found myself staring at him for way longer than I intended to. He cleared his throat, making me nearly jump out of my skin as my gaze shot upward and met his. He was smirking at me, as if to say, “Caught you.” My cheeks burned from the embarrassment I felt. “So, what did you come here for?” He asked, breaking the tension between us. Oh. Right. The reason I’m here. “I have a problem, and I need your help,” I said in a rush. He raised his right brow. “What kind of problem?” I cleared my throat before continuing. “My father was arrested the other night,” I blurted. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a lot of money. Roughly 5 million dollars.” He was silent as he stared at me; I realized he was waiting for me to continue. Probably wanted to know how I needed his help. “I was hoping you’d be able to help him and maybe pay the debt for my father so he could get out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip. He was quiet for another moment, processing my request before he ran his hands over his face. “And what would I get in return for helping your family?” He asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Confidence: I needed confidence. I held my head up high and looked him right in the eyes. It was known as a challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, even worse so looking a Lycan directly in the eyes. But Gavin wasn’t as angry as I thought he would be, instead, he looked intrigued. “Well,” I began, I dropped my voice low as I stepped closer to him. “At the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” I felt my cheeks growing hot as I spoke those words. “And I thought maybe…” I took a deep breath and undid my coat, revealing a portion of my lingerie, but not all of it. Not yet at least. His eyes darkened as he gazed over my body, and I nearly melted under his scrutiny. I suddenly had a surge of confidence, and I reached my hand out to touch his arm. “I thought maybe I could do some favors for you in return,” I said in a sultry voice. “I’m a college student and very clean. I haven’t done it before, but I’m on birth control, so you don’t need to worry about anything.” His breathing grew heavy as he straightened his posture, closing the small gap between us. His nearness was intoxicating, and my heart started to race against my chest. His scent enveloped me, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this delirious. He reached his hand up and I felt his fingers glide down my cheek, sending a wave of warmth throughout my whole body. We were so close together that I thought I was going to pass out from the heat that consumed me. His eyes were dark like they were the night in the VIP suite. He swallowed hard and I watched his Adam’s apple move slightly. I closed my eyes, preparing for him to kiss me. I could feel his breath on my lips and just as I leaned in close to him, getting ready for his embrace, it never came. Instead, I felt him adjusting my coat, covering my body. My eyes flew open, and I looked at his stern expression. “Do you really think I need to pay a woman for her body?” He asked, breaking the silence. “You said it yourself that I have many options.” My cheeks flushed immediately. “I just thought—” “You thought you could use your body to pay for my help,” he said, interrupting me. “You are still young, Miss Montague. You will regret taking such shortcuts in the future.” How did he know my name? I hadn’t told him. Had he looked into me? My heart skipped a beat at the thought, but his words were slowly crushing me. He didn’t want me. I lowered my gaze, hating how hot my face was getting. I knew he could see just how embarrassed I was. When he spoke next, he softened his voice and spoke with compassion. “Look, I have a daughter,” he told me. “I would never teach her to use her body as a transaction. I want more for her and her future, and I expect better from her.” He reached his hand and caressed the nape of my neck with his fingertips; my breath hitched as I gazed into his eyes. “I expected better from you,” he added; my heart fell into my stomach and disappointment consumed me. He was right. I was better than this. I nodded my head and opened my mouth to speak, but I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby and I whipped around to look at Gavin with wide eyes. “I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin said, looking at me briefly before glancing at the security guards. “Accompany Miss Montague out of the building, please.” “Yes sir,” they both said. They stood on each side of me, and I stared at Gavin with shock. I didn’t fight or argue with the security guards as they told me to come with them. “Thank you for your time,” I managed to say before I turned and left the office. I wanted to cry because of the shame, but I knew more importantly I needed a new job. …. “I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said with a wide smile. “And you look great in that uniform.” I looked down at my uniform. I felt ridiculous in this thing; it was a short skirt and a crop top that showed way too much bosom. I felt like I was on display. Especially at night when this place pretty much turned into a club. These men are wealthy and would tip generously. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up when I was struggling for money. “That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging my arm with hers. She looked behind me and sighed. “Looks like we are getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said. I sighed and turned to greet the customers but then I froze when I saw who was amongst them. Ethan. Chapter 5 Judy’s POV “You were right,” I heard one of his friends saying. “She does work here. This is going to be so good.” “Hey, call girl, can we get a table, or are you just going to stare at us?” Call girl? I placed the menus on the table for them and waited for each of them to take a seat. “I’m not a call girl. Please, take your seat.” As I leaned over the table to put the beer in front of each of them, one of them grabbed my rear end. I felt my entire body freeze. “I like this little uniform on you. How about you take it off and see what’s underneath.” My entire body went hot as I stepped back from the table, forcing his hand to drop. “Do not touch me,” I said loudly to each of them. “Oh, come on, Judy. Aren’t you here to satisfy men?” Another of his friends asked. “So come here and satisfy us. Sit on my lap.” I pressed my lips together. “I’m not a call girl,” I told them for the final time. “I’m a waitress.” “You got this job because you’re hot,” one of them chuckled. “The manager didn’t care about your skills. He cared about whether or not you could flirt with the customers and make him a lot of money. I’m willing to give you a good tip if you let me see what’s underneath your uniform and sit on my lap.” I felt my blood going cold from his words. “Come here baby girl,” he said, patting his lap and winking at me. I just stared at him, disbelieving. I looked at Ethan who was watching me, waiting to see what I would do. How could he just let his friends speak to me like this? At one point, he would have never allowed this. He would have punched anyone who looked at me with desire in their eyes. Now, he was acting as if he didn’t care. “I’ll give you 10 thousand dollars if you drink this entire beer,” one of his friends asked. My mouth nearly fell open. “What?” I asked. “You heard me,” he answered. “Drink this whole beer and you’ll get 10 thousand dollars.” “We’ll all give you 10 thousand dollars each if you drink all of our beers,” another one said. I stared at the beer and then at the men. My eyes landed on Ethan once more; he raised his brows, waiting for my answer. Swallowing my pride, I stepped towards the table and grabbed one of the glasses. I really didn’t like beer, but money was money, and I knew Ethan’s friends were rich and could pay that kind of money easily. I needed the cash to get my father out of prison and pay off his debt. I brought the cup to my lips and let the liquid run down my throat. I winced at the bitter taste, but I kept pushing myself until the cup was empty. His friends were cheering and chanting as I drank the contents of the cup. I slammed the cup on the counter and looked at the next guy who slid his beer at me, winking as he did so. I chugged his beer as well. I only got halfway through the third glass when I felt a firm grip around my wrist and I was yanked away. I heard Ethan’s friends booing and telling him he was a party pooper. I had no idea where Ethan was taking me; he was quiet until we reached outside and then he whipped around to glare at me. “Accept my offer and stop this foolishness,” he ordered. “I won’t be your mistress, Ethan,” I told him, narrowing my eyes, my head fuzzy from the beer. “You can forget about that.” “You’d rather act like a little call girl instead?” He asked through his teeth. “You looked ridiculous in there!” “Why do you care? You have your fiancé. This is my private business, and my private business no longer includes you.” “You are still mine, Judy. You will always be mine,” he growled. I wanted to laugh at his ridiculousness, but I also wanted to cry. He was so sweet at one point; I spent more than 2 years loving this man. Now as he stood before me, I realized he was a stranger. “I am not yours,” I told him, glad that my voice came out stronger than I felt. He let out a bitter laugh. “Fine, be a call girl for all I care,” he growled. “Spread your legs for money because that’s all you’re good for—” Before I could stop myself, my hand swung and made contact with his cheek, causing a loud slap. He didn’t flinch but he did grow angrier as he went to grab my throat. He froze though when he looked at my neck and I watched the color draining from his face. “What the heck,” he hissed. He grabbed my chin and yanked my head to the side. “Is that a lovebite?” I realized when getting dressed this morning that the lovebite Gavin left on me the other night was still there. It was fading, but visible. “So, what if it is?” I asked. He released my chin and glared at me, his gaze icy. “Who the heck have you been with?” “That’s not your concern,” I retorted. I turned to walk away, but he gripped my arm, making me whimper in pain as he whipped me around to face him again. “Answer my freaking question, Judy! Who have you been with?!” Through gritted teeth, I answered, “Gavin. Your future father-in-law. Happy now?” He released me and let out a bark of laughter. “Are you kidding me? You don’t have to make up such a ridiculous story,” Ethan said through a fit of laughter. I heard more laughter from nearby and I realized Ethan’s friends were crowding around. “Is she talking about Gavin Landry? He has standards. He would never go for a girl like, Judy.” “Yeah, Judy is a call girl and Gavin is a Lycan chairman. There’s no way,” another friend laughed. “I’m being serious,” I told them, folding my arms across my chest. This time Ethan did grab my throat, and his gaze turned almost deadly. “Stop playing me for a fool and tell me the truth,” he growled. “Gavin would never want someone like you. You are nobody. You don’t fit into his world. ” I couldn’t breathe as his hands tightened around my throat, so I couldn’t respond. “Now, how about you do as I say and move into the house I bought? Once I get married, I’ll see you frequently at night and you can spread your pretty little legs for me only—” There was a loud honk from nearby, making Ethan drop his hold around my neck. I coughed and rubbed my sore neck as he glared at the person interrupting us. I glanced at the black limo and frowned when the door opened. I gasped when I saw Gavin seated in the back, his eyes on me. “Get in,” he ordered. I stared at him, disbelieving. “I won’t ask you again, Judy,” he said through his teeth. I felt Ethan’s shocked eyes on me as I quickly hurried towards the car and got in, closing the door behind me. “Drive,” he instructed the driver. “Yes, sir.” The car started to move; Ethan stood on the curb; his mouth nearly dropped. His friends were equally shocked. Gavin glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks redden. “Using me to make your ex-fiancé jealous, are you?”		Galaxy in the Story		2486	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731599	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/2/25, 5:36 PM	1740993487	1746225372		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Continue Watching👉👉		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storymatrix.drama			1.4866378499541E+14	DramaBox- movies&drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481262226_1159401875727783_5237084479799050286_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uPnEiWk8Y9wQ7kNvgHSAjTu&_nc_oc=AdhkrlCyOAd-DaMRT7XGg365Wxq3iSHwlZqa4ahQQxFmqcj0fBWDXFqVGFfAw_sLRRGneKVgyVluAIDwGQVyVnbw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A6qPBRj0lu00BPyzq5H4d37&oh=00_AYAx4z-aN3WqjVgx8Rv68yuxF2L4Igx0HzWavA37jRIeXg&oe=67CB267B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- movies&drama		9336044	https://www.facebook.com/DramaBoxMoviesDrama/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731424	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 12:57 AM	1740993484	1749275875		2747																										fbweb.moboreader.net	Learn more			IMAGE	Read next chapter👉		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/70314322-fb_contact-enp133_6-250225-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=124213&accid=798859118295947&exdata=F79E5A930F21EB22D8F3182AA425D1283236B403A8271B43			1.0255616611761E+14	Lime novel-E	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481275493_2651488028370543_8997519856634690932_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8NGoFeR-3MQQ7kNvgGKly3a&_nc_oc=Adi5h_cJEIXhCRQb_OF8VgrHD-pzNQKg3hFjfdBPn367uZq8mI2eaw0yO370GoabW2ovaeg5-vcB3t7Af2GI_D7x&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=Av2MKFwRgOD3fjzrsIO18ac&oh=00_AYChYlKcDMEMMW5S7b_jTWh16u94WCfJmWO1Tn8aHyaF2w&oe=67CB28D9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Three years of passion without love. But after every night in bed, he took his first love to her checkups. She struck back--filed for divorce and hired a model who looked just like him... for wild, endless nights! ===== Chapter 1 Carry On With Whatever This Is A military jeep thundered down the bustling bar street, its presence like a storm on the horizon. The jeep, adorned with a high-ranking officer's insignia and a distinctive license plate, commanded the attention of all it passed. It came to a jarring halt in front of the neon-lit Serendipity bar, its brakes screeching a piercing challenge to the surrounding nightlife. The door of the jeep opened and then slammed shut with a force that reverberated through the silent evening, mimicking the sharp report of a gunshot. A man emerged, his camouflage uniform blending oddly with the urban setting. His stern expression and the firm set of his jaw added to his daunting presence as he stepped into the colorful chaos of the bar. Inside, the neon lights cast an otherworldly glow on his face, the shadows playing across his features as he moved with a purposeful stride. The bar was alive with the vibrant beats of electrifying music and the murmur of drunken chatter--yet he seemed to carry a chilling silence around him, isolating him from the revelry. At the bar counter, Ryland Flynn was engrossed in a flirtatious conversation with the bargirl. He looked up as the military man entered, the haze of alcohol clearing swiftly from his eyes. The imposing figure made a beeline for the elevator, and Ryland, sensing urgency, scrambled off his stool to intercept him. "Mr. Mitchell... What brings you here to Serendipity tonight?" Ryland's voice faltered under the icy gaze of the man. The man's eyes narrowed, his voice resonant and commanding as he demanded, "Where's Renee?" "I... I believe she's at her home tonight," Ryland stammered, struggling to maintain his composure under the piercing scrutiny. Without hesitation, the man pressed the elevator button for the top floor, his action sharp and decisive. "You have 30 seconds to alert her," he stated curtly. Ryland's heart raced as panic gripped him. He knew that fabricating a story was pointless now. With trembling hands, he pulled out his phone and dialed Renee Carter's number right in front of the imposing figure looming over him. The phone buzzed unanswered after three persistent rings, prompting Ryland to switch to WhatsApp in a frantic rush. Opting for a voice message, he pressed the microphone icon and whispered urgently, "Renee, your husband is here to see you; he's on his way up in the elevator." His attempt to keep his voice hushed failed miserably; the words echoed clearly in the tight space of the elevator. An icy chuckle emanated from behind Ryland, sending shivers down his spine as the elevator dinged open. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, each drop a testament to his growing dread. The man stepped out with a determined stride, heading straight for the VIP room. Ryland, caught in a web of fear, trailed meekly behind, his steps hesitant and his mind racing for solutions. Stopping abruptly at the door, the man turned slightly. Ryland, mustering a sliver of courage, spoke up with a shaky voice. "Mr. Mitchell, I assure you, she isn't here." "Last chance--open up, or I'll kick this door in myself." "Please, believe me. She..." Ryland tried again, his voice faltering. "Three," the man stated evenly, his tone leaving no room for argument as the countdown commenced. "Fine," Ryland murmured, his voice a strained whisper as he fumbled with the room key, a sigh escaping him. His hands trembled slightly--caught in a bind, he dared not cross a member of the formidable Mitchell family. As the door creaked open, the man's eyes narrowed, his expression hardened into the stern, unyielding mask of a seasoned military veteran. Ryland stole a brief glance inside and sharply inhaled, quickly diverting his gaze to safeguard his own wellbeing, positioning himself squarely in the doorway, observing from a cautious distance. Inside, Renee reclined languidly on the sofa, her figure draped in a vibrant red slip dress that made a bold statement, flanked by two young male escorts. Their bare torsos were adorned with the unmistakable traces of passion, scratches carved into their skin like echoes of their heated encounters. The abrupt noise of the door's movement caused the escorts to stiffen, their muscles tensing as they beheld the daunting figure looming at the entrance. In sharp contrast, Renee exuded an air of nonchalant ease. Slowly opening her eyes, her lips curled into a taunting smirk upon sighting the man. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she regarded him through half-lidded eyes, her smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Relax, boys, it's not a police raid," she teased, her voice dripping with disdain. "Allow me to introduce him--this is my husband, the esteemed William Mitchell of the Mitchell family. You've surely heard of him, haven't you?" As she spoke, her gaze flitted over to William, observing his stoic visage with a provocative sneer. "Mr. Mitchell, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit tonight? Aren't you supposed to be getting busy with your childhood sweetheart instead of wasting time here with us?" William approached with deliberate steps, the chill of the night air clinging to his camouflage jacket, mirroring the icy reserve on his face. He seated himself on the sofa across from her, crossing his legs with a deliberate nonchalance. Smirking insincerely, he waved a hand. "Don't mind me--carry on with whatever this is." Chapter 2 Disappointment Isn't An Option Here The two escorts were already visibly tense, their anxiety written all over their faces, and the mere mention of William's name sent shivers down their spines. Renee, her head bowed slightly, felt a surge of anger well up within her. Yet, she masked it expertly behind a veil of serenity and commanded, "You heard him, didn't you? Now that Mr. Mitchell is in the mood, you'd better be at your best--disappointment isn't an option here." She then raised her head, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark, and flashed a coquettish wink at William. "Mr. Mitchell, consider this an invaluable lesson. You treat the bed like a battlefield--my two companions, on the other hand, know how to make a woman feel cherished. After all, we aren't your foot soldiers. While I might endure your roughness, think of your beloved. She's far too delicate for such treatment, don't you think?" William responded with nothing more than a frigid glance. Reclining against the back of the sofa, he struck a match with a sharp flick, lighting his cigarette. A veil of smoke soon enveloped him, masking his inscrutable expression. Renee's irritation spiked at his detached demeanor; he looked almost wounded, though she couldn't fathom what could possibly dent his icy exterior. Impatiently, she snapped at the escorts, "Well? What are you waiting for? At Mr. Mitchell's request, show him what you've got--who knows, he might actually pick up a thing or two." With a defiant flair, Renee tugged at the straps of her slip dress, letting them slip down her shoulders. The men jolted with surprise, their eyes darting involuntarily towards William, whose gaze was icy and unforgiving. Instinctively, they squeezed their eyes shut. "Uh, Ms. Carter... maybe it's best if we go." As they stooped to gather their scattered clothing from the floor, Renee fixed them with a frosty stare that rooted them in place. "I've told you already. Disappointment isn't an option here," she stated, her voice sharp as the winter air. Her attention turned back to William just in time to catch a camouflage jacket sailing through the air, draping over her with precision, obscuring her view. Before she could shrug off the jacket, she was abruptly swept up by two robust hands. "William! What on earth are you doing?!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled under the fabric. Blind to his expression, she could only sense the intense, ominous aura radiating from him. Effortlessly, he slung her over his shoulder, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from his fingertips. In a swift motion, he extinguished the cigarette on the back of one of the men, eliciting a sharp yelp. Simultaneously, his boot connected with the other man's knee, causing a stifled groan of agony to fill the room. Ryland, who had been nervously lingering by the door, stepped forward in alarm. "Mr. Mitchell, please, let's resolve this peacefully," he pleaded, his voice quivering. "Get out of my way!" William's command was a low rumble, more animal than human, that sent Ryland stumbling back in fear. Helplessly, he watched as William maneuvered Renee into the back of the jeep, her protests fading into the night. The engine roared as the vehicle surged forward, a reflection of the driver's burning temper. As Renee collapsed onto the plush, crimson bedspread, the effects of the evening's alcohol started to fade. Her eyes fluttered open, fixing on the ornate bed in the master bedroom--an emblem of union they had never truly shared since their marriage. The irony stung, blending seamlessly with her sorrow. Their three-year union was not a sexless one. The rare times William came home from his military duties, their encounters, though heated and passionate, were just fleeting moments of intimacy. Yet, their living arrangements spoke volumes--they maintained separate rooms, with this room remaining untouched by either. But tonight, William's demeanor was unhinged, as he dragged her into this "sacred" space and threw her onto the bed without hesitation. "William, what the hell are you thinking?" Renee gasped, her voice a mix of bewilderment and fear. She barely managed to prop herself up when he loomed over her, his gaze wild and red-rimmed. "Get ready, because I'm gonna fuck you until you're begging for more," he declared, his words seething through clenched teeth as he ruthlessly ripped her dress strap by strap. "So, Renee, you were saying I was too rough, is that it?" he huffed, his breath hot against her ear, his teeth lightly grazing her earlobe in a chilling caress. "I'm gonna fuck you nice and easy tonight--make you feel every damn second of it." Trapped beneath his weight, Renee writhed futilely, her struggles inadvertently drawing them even closer. As he tenderly grazed her earlobe with a punitive lick, his voice cut through the air, icy and stark. "Remember, you're a married woman." Just then, the shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense air. Although he wanted to dismiss it, the insistent buzzing from his pocket--just as he was about to undress--compelled him to reach for his phone with visible impatience. Recognizing the caller ID, his expression softened slightly. With a wry, self-deprecating smirk, Renee peeked at his phone screen. Unsurprisingly, it was his childhood sweetheart calling. Her voice dripped with irony as she retorted, "Seems you've forgotten you're a married man." His eyes flickered to her, but before he could gauge her next move, Renee snatched his phone and answered the call with deliberate calm. "Hello, Sylvia," she called out evenly. There was a brief pause as Sylvia Payne processed the unexpected voice. "Renee... hi," she stammered, her words stumbling over the shock. Upon catching William's resigned look, Renee's smile twisted into a sly grin. "Yeah, it's me. Sorry, but William and I are a little busy right now. You know how horny couples get after some time apart--it's like a damn craving that needs to be satisfied. He's got his mouth all over me, so I doubt he'll be able to answer his phone anytime soon." Chapter 3 A Fucking Liar Renee's words might have struck a nerve or instilled fear in Sylvia, who fell silent, stewing in her thoughts for a lengthy pause. Just as Renee braced herself for another onslaught of bold accusations, William intervened, snatching the phone from her hand. His kiss, fierce and claiming, then stole her breath away. William wasn't one to make empty promises--he showed her exactly what gentleness could be. After what felt like an eternity of torment, Renee broke down in tears, pleading for mercy--only then did he finally relent. Drained from the ordeal, she succumbed to sleep almost instantly. Throughout the night, she drifted in a half-conscious daze, vaguely aware of William leaving the bed. By the time morning crept in, Renee awoke alone. She lay there on the vast bed that held both fresh and lingering memories, her mind adrift in contemplation. She turned towards the curtains, tightly drawn, blurring the lines between late morning rays and the onset of dusk. A wave of weariness washed over her as she reached for her phone, her body still aching from the previous night's passions. That was when she saw it--a post from Sylvia on Instagram, unmistakably capturing William from behind, engrossed in cooking. The realization hit with the sharpness of a knife. In a fit of rage, Renee hurled her phone against the wall. Despite the force, the device miraculously survived the impact. "That fucking liar! That cheating piece of shit!" she snarled, fists clenched in anger. Lifting the blanket, she tried to stand, but the lingering soreness made every movement a struggle. That scumbag had really done a number on her. Yet, he felt no pain at all--if anything, he was in high spirits as he happily went to cook for his lover. Her anger simmered, fueled by each throbbing ache and the betrayal freshly unveiled. Sylvia's post was a glaring provocation. At that moment, a hesitant knock rapped at the door, followed by the maid's timid voice filtering through. "Mrs. Mitchell, are you up? Mr. Mitchell had me prepare something to help with your hangover." Renee seethed with annoyance. Now that he was out cavorting with his mistress, why even bother sending the maid? She inhaled sharply, trying to quell the rising storm within her. "I'm much better now, thank you. No need for that," Renee called out, her voice strained. Yet, the maid lingered at the doorway, her tone soft and persistent. "Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Mitchell also specifically prepared a pill for you. Would you like to come out and take it?" Confused and a bit curious, Renee cracked open the door and peered out. "What pill?" she asked, her brow furrowed in suspicion. "You know, for after last night..." The maid trailed off delicately. That was the last straw. Renee's control snapped like a rope stretched too tight for too long. She was teetering dangerously on the edge of an outburst. Over the past three years of their marriage, Renee had diligently taken a contraceptive pill after each of their intimate encounters. The thought of starting a family hadn't yet appealed to her; she wasn't ready to embrace motherhood. The routine was simple when she managed it herself, but it felt different, almost intrusive, when William had the pills delivered to her. "I'm not taking it!" Renee declared defiantly, her voice thick with resolve. "Tell that scumbag that if I get pregnant, I'll have the baby! Let's see how he deals with that!" Her words echoed sharply as she slammed the door with a resounding thud, the sound reverberating off the walls. The moment the maid stepped out, she started digging through the room for the pills she bought before, her remark earlier nothing more than a bitter jab. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the plush bed, her body twisting and turning as she tried to find comfort in the soft linens. As sleep tugged at her consciousness, her mind seethed with curses aimed at William. She pondered his unexpected return from military service. Could his sudden appearance be tied to some trouble involving Sylvia? Indeed, Renee's suspicions weren't unfounded. William's return had everything to do with Sylvia. The moment he was discharged, he'd tried reaching out to Renee, only to be met with silence. His inquiries led him to discover her recent escapades, including the escorts she'd taken to keeping company. In a mix of rage and desperation, he had stormed the bar where she frequented, dragged her away, and then rushed to attend to Sylvia. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Sylvia sat uncomfortably as the doctor concluded his examination. "Ma'am, aside from some mild anemia, you're perfectly fine. By the way, is this gentleman your husband?" The question caught Sylvia off guard, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Leaning slightly forward, William questioned, "Doctor, should she be taking any extra precautions? Does she need to avoid any specific foods?" He neither confirmed nor denied, preserving Sylvia's dignity. "Just avoid seafood, particularly crabs. Beyond that, she's free to enjoy whatever she likes. Be grateful she's not constantly battling nausea. She's dealing with morning sickness--consider yourself lucky she can still eat without throwing up." "Got it. Thanks for your help, doctor." William's response was polite, tinged with a sense of relief. William stole a glance at Sylvia after leaving the doctor's office. She was cradling her belly gently, her expression radiant with the glowing joy unique to a first-time mother. He sighed, a whisper barely audible escaping his lips. "Sylvia." "William, I think... I can feel the baby's heartbeat." Sylvia's voice trembled with wonder, her eyes gleaming as they met his. He paused, the weight of his next words pressing down on him. "Sylvia, you should consider terminating the pregnancy." "No!" Her voice cracked, a visceral refusal. Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she implored him, "William, I want this baby. Please, let me keep it. Don't force me to give it up. I can raise this child by myself if I have to..." "And you think you can make this decision to keep the child without my agreement?" The cold, sharp voice of Renee sliced through their conversation. Both Sylvia and William turned to see her at the corner of the corridor, arms folded, her presence like a specter at a feast. Her stance and piercing gaze left no doubt about her stance--she was, after all, William's lawful wife, and her words carried the weight of her position. Chapter 4 Confrontation The moment Sylvia laid eyes on Renee, her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively darted behind William, like a child seeking shelter from a nightmare. William's expression hardened into a frown as he faced Renee, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?" Renee's shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, her voice dry. "It's a hospital, William. What do you think?" As William's frown carved deeper lines into his forehead, he surveyed Renee from head to toe, searching for any telltale signs of illness but finding none. Taking a bold step forward, Renee's gaze locked onto Sylvia with unsettling intensity. "I heard my husband escorted another woman for a prenatal check-up early this morning. Naturally, as his legal wife, I felt compelled to see for myself." Her eyes, sharp and gleaming, bore into Sylvia's. "Miss Payne, let me be clear--as long as I draw breath, your child will never be acknowledged. Unless..." Her eyes then flicked to William, and she paused, letting the silence stretch before continuing with deliberate calm, "Unless William dares to divorce me. Why don't you ask him if he has the courage to do so?" Would William actually muster the courage to divorce her? Obviously not--otherwise, he wouldn't have made it through three years of this. When Renee was just 20, she declared to her family that she intended to marry William. Even her grandfather, Johnny Carter, who had doted on her since childhood, refused her for the first time. Johnny, a once-formidable retired commander, loomed large in his world, much like Renee's father, who, though steering clear of politics, had carved a significant niche in the business realm. Across the social spectrum, William's father, Eric Mitchell, wielded considerable influence as a high-ranking official in the political echelons. His current stature meant that allying with the Carter family could catapult him to even greater heights. The union between Renee and William was crafted as an unbreakable alliance, a powerful merger with no exits. Once vows were exchanged, the idea of parting ways was off the table. A divorce would not only fracture their personal lives but would also force their influential families into a messy, public tug-of-war, risking a feud that could echo through their elite circles. With Eric poised on the brink of a crucial promotion, he was adamant: divorce between his son and daughter-in-law was simply not an option. During the earlier days of their marriage, Renee had poured her heart into nurturing the union, but her efforts soon revealed themselves to be fruitless endeavors. Despite chasing William's affection for five years before she managed to marry him, his feelings remained elusive; not even the legal bond of marriage could spark affection in him. Faced with this reality, Renee suggested a pragmatic solution that they would continue to project the image of a devoted couple publicly and during familial gatherings, while privately, they would lead separate lives, each cloaked in their own solitude. With William being in the army for most of it, there wasn't much pretending needed anyway. Yet, one thing still baffled Renee--whenever William returned from the army, he would spend endless nights in bed with her, refusing to stop until she gave in. It was simply strange--he had ensured Sylvia lived close to his base in Stotta, so why did he still look like he hadn't touch any woman in forever? Renee guessed it was due to Sylvia's frail condition--William probably didn't want to strain her too much. What a fucking bastard! He pampered his lover like a queen while treating Renee like absolute shit. The sight of Sylvia tucked behind William sent a sharp, unexpected pang through Renee's chest. "What's wrong with you?" William's question sliced through the tension, but Renee's mocking laugh dismissed it, her disdain palpable. "William, I'm getting rid of Sylvia's baby right now. Are you going to try and stop me?" Her challenge hung heavy in the air, her words sharp as shards of glass. Their recent quarrel had left a chilly void between them. William had slipped away at dawn, his departure marked by a stinging silence. And then, the call from Ryland had come, twisting the knife deeper--William had escorted Sylvia to the obstetrics department for a prenatal checkup. The scandal, simmering just beneath the surface, threatened to boil over, exposing Renee to ridicule. "No! William, please, not my baby..." Sylvia's voice quavered, her fingers clutching William's sleeve as if it were her last lifeline. Her eyes, wide and pleading, searched his face for any sign of reassurance. But William remained eerily silent, his gaze unyieldingly locked on Renee's cold eyes. "William..." Sylvia's voice broke, terror lacing her whisper. She gripped his arm tighter, her plea more desperate. "I can't let go of this baby, William. Please, I need your help." "shut up!" The sharpness in Renee's voice cut through the tense air. In a swift, harsh motion, she raised her hand and delivered a stinging slap across Sylvia's face. The sound echoed, a chilling smack that left a vivid red imprint on Sylvia's pale cheek. "You don't have a say here, Sylvia," Renee hissed, her voice dripping with disdain. From the other end of the corridor, another voice challenged the oppressive silence, its tone imbued with an undeniable authority. "Is that so? And do I have a voice in this matter?" All eyes turned toward the newcomer. Her presence was commanding, her attire simple yet exuding an elegance that spoke of bespoke tailoring--clearly, she was a woman of significant stature. "Mom?" Chapter 5 As You Wish "Mrs. Mitchell..." Upon spotting William's mother, Esme Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes lit up with a flicker of desperate hope. She darted forward, throwing her arms around Esme in a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, painting her as a tragic heroine consumed by sorrow--an image that could melt even the coldest heart. It was no surprise that even William, with his usual stoic demeanor, found his resolve weakening under Sylvia's poignant display. Renee, observing from a distance, knew she lacked the flair for such dramatic expressions. "No need to worry, Sylvia. I'll protect you," Esme assured the younger woman, her tone warm and steady. "Mom, please, let's not escalate this," William interjected, his expression tense with concern. Around Esme, he often felt like he had no control. "William, if I hadn't shown up, would you have just stood by after Renee's outburst? I know I might have turned a blind eye before, but now, with Sylvia carrying your child--a new member of the Mitchell family on the way--can you really afford to let Renee act unchecked?" Esme's tone was both accusing and protective. At the mention of the baby being another Mitchell, Sylvia's eyes dropped, her joy of coming motherhood shadowed by the weight of those words. William shot a brief, complicated look at Sylvia, his face unreadable. "I can handle this, Mom," he stated flatly, his voice laced with frustration. "And how exactly would you handle it? By watching as Renee lashes out at Sylvia and doing nothing?" Esme countered sharply, her frustration mirroring her son's but for different reasons. Renee stood her ground, her voice a mixture of irony and resolve as she addressed Esme. "I'm your daughter-in-law, William's one and only legal wife. No matter how influential your family is, you wouldn't dare commit bigamy, would you?" Esme bristled, her response sharp and clipped. "Enough of your bullshit!" "Bullshit? Is that what you call them?" Renee shot back, her tone rising slightly with indignation. "It was indeed I who pursued William initially, but over the years, both I and my family have shouldered immense burdens to prop up your family's stature. And now, you wish to replace me with Sylvia? Did you even bother to consult the other members of the Mitchell family about your plans?" As she turned her gaze towards Sylvia, Renee's eyes flashed with contempt. "To even mention Sylvia in the same breath as me is laughable." "Renee, that's enough," William interjected, his voice icy and stern. Esme, emboldened by William's admonition, pressed on, her tone dripping with disdain. "William, did you hear her? This is not how a sophisticated heiress should behave. She lacks the basic decorum expected of her status. I've always said it--Renee is too stubborn and impulsive for our family. You should never have married her. Remember how I opposed it from the start?" But Renee wasn't fazed. Instead, she laughed heartily, a sound rich with scorn and amusement. "Indeed, a home-wrecker must be so sophisticated and possess impeccable manners," she said sarcastically. Deep down, Renee knew she was the one who had come between William and Sylvia. Originally, Sylvia's family had fallen into dire straits, and the Mitchell family, due to their precarious position, could not offer direct help. It was then that William had turned to Renee, who had been ardently pursuing him for five years. For the past five years, William had all but ignored Renee, treating her affection as if it were invisible. Renee, ever the hopeful pursuer, tirelessly chased after his fleeting attention. Ironically, the first time he sought her out wasn't for romance--it was to plead on behalf of Sylvia. Renee's disdain for Sylvia stretched back to their childhood days, a bitter rivalry that festered over the years. Thus, when William asked for her help for Sylvia, Renee seized the opportunity to turn the tables. She threw the notion of marriage at him like a challenge, expecting him to waver. But to her shock, he consented immediately, his compliance cutting her deeply. It was a stark, painful reminder of Sylvia's significance to him. Sylvia, the perpetual thorn in Renee's side, had been a constant source of agony since she became William's wife. Lost in these brooding thoughts, Renee was then jolted back to reality by a sharp slap. Her head whipped around, eyes blazing with fury, to find Esme standing there, her expression unyielding. "This slap is for Sylvia," Esme declared firmly. "Renee, don't think you can torment her just because she's an orphan and vulnerable." "Mom! Why the hell did you do that?" William interjected, stepping in front of Renee protectively. But Renee wasn't grateful for his defense. Instead, she scoffed, her laughter tinged with bitterness, "Oh, so I'm the bad guy now? Fine. Let it be as you wish." In a swift, fluid motion, Renee charged forward, her fingers entwined in Sylvia's hair as she delivered a stinging slap across her cheek. Her actions were fierce and immediate--Renee never hesitated to settle scores right then and there, refusing to suffer any slight quietly. "She may lack family, but I refuse to let that girl trample over the dignity of the Carter family!" Renee declared with fiery conviction. Despite Esme's frantic attempts to calm the storm, she was powerless against Renee's relentless fury. Raised with strict discipline, Esme was the polar opposite of Renee. And there was Sylvia, who had always been gentle and unassuming. Renee, with her commanding presence, could easily overpower them both. "William! Are you seriously just going to watch? Are you just going to let her go on a rampage like that?" Esme's voice cracked under the strain, her plea laced with desperation. Renee's eyes finally snapped to William, who had remained a silent observer. With his skills, he could have intervened at any moment, preventing the assault with ease. Why had he chosen to remain passive when she struck Sylvia? Lost in her thoughts, Renee barely registered the sensation of a strong arm encircling her waist. In an instant, she was lifted from the floor, her feet dangling helplessly. William, treating her with no more regard than one would a sack of potatoes, carried her away. His voice was calm, yet it carried an unyielding firmness. "Mom, I can handle my affairs. Stay out of this. I won't say it again," he stated decisively, before carrying Renee back towards their home. &9&		Lime novel-E		360	https://www.facebook.com/100090637249756/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731789	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 2:19 PM	1740993491	1746991156		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481294601_926297459575624_9213088733147428326_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FQLkLGeBn-8Q7kNvgGOET4s&_nc_oc=Adgfc-c2C9v12BVAx76MYbt8-y6SceVgGPAjzQ-mGwpuaqYEX7MgfeQKjFFHKTutX2Tqy2FNgNVzG0RLEGfpg5jT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYCVDKidsSEntBbQohjLLAlw2RD2luRMmL5rBPa-kB-5EQ&oe=67CB3833	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731992	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:10 AM	1740993496	1747037439		2747																										irkfmvsolutions.com	Watch more			VIDEO	انقر لمشاهدة المزيد من مقاطع الفيديو المثيرة👉		https://irkfmvsolutions.com/market/goodreels/t18-12-6/18?lpid=18996&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			1.192224679521E+14	Short Play Recommender	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482220641_607294742206101_2205778074582634675_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OpRoJ00XSWEQ7kNvgEBKHa1&_nc_oc=Adh4Bg-vLYBzbfDeggwuj0Joa2mJUpjVZXhU0Pr-0tLrdZpd0YWKnbZTcCfcCXToxY2lad0Oybbhy9dsifzb0ucc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AH3--zbmptamlVfK2q0FUym&oh=00_AYDn8qwoGoUpW9QE_SQntUqKM9lQ0mttzNEh6ZOUyVdoUg&oe=67CB36C2	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🔥💃🏼⁉️لقد تخلى عني صديقي السابق منذ سبع سنوات وسحق صدقي بلا رحمة أمام الجميع، فقط لأنني لم أكن من نوع الفتاة الغنية التي يمكنها إرضاء غروره. عندما قام بإذلال كرامتي وداسها بشكل متعمد أمام الجميع، أمسك رئيس تنفيذي ثري، رئيسه، بيدي وأعلن مباشرة أنه سيتزوجني سريعًا. 🔥👠😈بمساعدة الرئيس استيقظت من الحلم وكشفت الوجه القبيح لحبيبي السابق. ثم كشفت أيضًا عن هويتي الحقيقية كرئيس لاتحادي المالي. بوجه مليء بالصدمة واليأس، ركع صديقي السابق أمامي وتوسل لي أن أغفر له.		Short Play Recommender		44522	https://www.facebook.com/61553037495588/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732140	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/14/25, 1:48 AM	1740993499	1749883736		2747																										amazon.com	Shop now			IMAGE			http://amzn.to/4b2Yer5			2.2967351357168E+14	Author Christopher J. Brice	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481112307_993663039524579_1488169290932557014_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=un2_8nmMDx4Q7kNvgG2nd1P&_nc_oc=Adg3FX9V8Ph-qn_PjY0AY2q5U9eUl0mG01n2PnT0gAKcORL-dJ8PhhdocOedlcjOXBraDkuZS-KBXC-6G_jrSEA-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AKJvkjWKTv9aAdSVUUBzlx2&oh=00_AYAWC4lD1PThhYwNfRJG63OtGmN0a0gtz8inHaHgS4yJCg&oe=67CB42B8	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝. I can’t believe it’s been two weeks since Elliot and Gerard’s love story became a part of our world. I want to thank everyone who has read, reviewed, shared and shouted from the rooftops about this book. It’s been a story that’s been dear to my heart for a very long time and while it was nerve-wracking sharing it, I’m so glad that I did. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s like Ellie Goulding says: What are you waiting for? Get your copy here 👇🏼 https://amzn.to/4b2Yer5 P.S. News about what’s in the pipeline for the rest of 2025 will be coming this month! Sign up for my newsletter (link in bio) to be the first to get the 411! #mmromance #gayromance #gaylove #bookstagram #bookboyfriend #mmromancebooks #steamyromance #loveislove #booksofinstagram #gaybooks #gaybookstagram #Igbtauthor #mmbooks #indieauthor #mmsportsromance #icingonthecake #christopherjbrice		Author Christopher J. Brice		15	https://www.facebook.com/authorchristopherjbrice/	0		SHOP_NOW								View Edit Delete
2731752	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 12:49 AM	1740993491	1749188991		2747																										Opens Instagram	Learn more			IMAGE			http://instagram.com/judes_cardenas			6.1676881484608E+14	Judy Cardenas		PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Registration Now Open! Join us for our March Wealth & Health Masterclass! Are you burnt out, living paycheck to paycheck, and barely making ends meet? Do you want more for yourself and your family but feel stuck in the same cycle, afraid to take that leap? Becoming an entrepreneur can be nerve-wrecking at first, and most people will tell you it’s a risk. But what I’ve learned along the way is that those who are afraid to take risks lose more by staying stagnant while life slowly slips away. I spent years in the corporate world before finally saying YES to an opportunity that changed my life. And let me tell you—it was the best decision I ever made! I joined a team that provides one-on-one mentorship, incredible support, and all the resources needed for success. This journey has given me more freedom, financial stability, and better health, and it can do the same for you! Why join us? ✅ Personalized mentorship ✅ A supportive, like-minded community ✅ The opportunity to transform your health & wealth If you’re ready to break free from burnout and take control of your future, this opportunity is for you. DM me “FREEDOM” to reserve your spot today. Your future self will thank you! #HealthAndWealth #Masterclass #SayYesToYourself #FinancialFreedom #TimeForChange #TakeTheLeap		Judy Cardenas		0	https://www.facebook.com/61573679462904/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731816	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/11/25, 4:31 PM	1740993492	1749677477		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481019779_502741719542836_3038977701215476811_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gIRCgDdqFWwQ7kNvgGbTWgr&_nc_oc=AdgFSYjxggzCSgr2Pew4Sl8edUCZEC6RHmK91j26jLFTrqbSs-5oVBfF46g2JZ-YbV8anXVCFiF-OJ16V4TrnNVc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYBtnvRxI74B1cDXkO4F8ekiwX6dx1g7oGA9jGeqPQ0Xyg&oe=67CB4AEB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731818	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/6/25, 12:31 PM	1740993492	1749231065		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481902037_1407364020232305_3247549031534608740_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QmtTVagodKYQ7kNvgG-mX9g&_nc_oc=Adh2bF261kCaWA5La-IDHWz1wGLlO_kk82rKwpV9mw1p0seVfDI2juPYQNoXDwFFWBIyPtqVoA_cx86Yfqsbe4Br&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYABmrGppjD7ndfqoDVs8x_Y2AoyU7y61bubMztqINqL3g&oe=67CB514A	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731817	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/7/25, 4:06 AM	1740993492	1749287194		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482807854_961758879415926_1819091712882732362_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=F_7tKlxaqxUQ7kNvgHbqLGq&_nc_oc=Adha6ft7CMPH6ZzVAB-Oo1XIrsFgi5_mTi9sKZRhKcvq_gaMJzmVIuddHxhM1Y-19mw7FMv27XqLXe0rjS9Bx2ou&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A7bNejYtdD8KA083a__HPmS&oh=00_AYAF8E_m-sOmOmqq4arujNwsqnRwUwviFWRe4AkKhBIZyA&oe=67CB40EB	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731488	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 9:38 PM	1740993485	1749177538		2747																										getokn.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！📖		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=16927&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}			2.9832472003882E+14	Werewolf Novel	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481242881_1188235669066189_3292313519159192833_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TApZY1HY7CYQ7kNvgHe7KPB&_nc_oc=AdjyC6qooGrWtBKLuA__wHqUEt7NvDq30YI4SjyTfDy2caX0TR5jJt2Mrb-hKBZP9Zt1Ei7hte54qk3T2cVzjZPT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AOS6CvNNNX0qnbPMc24eRVT&oh=00_AYBHu2nlxMmYm7xwQcglNjuQZVn1vn0Yilz9nkBncloxtQ&oe=67CB497E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Today was supposed to be the day my fated mate and I got engaged. But now I’m watching him kiss another woman. Marrying her could make him the future Alpha because she’s the daughter of Gavin Landry, the most powerful Lycan chairman in the world. A couple of months ago, our Alpha died during a battle, and now all the candidates are competing for that position, including my mate, Ethan. Everyone knows the Lycans control the werewolf population. And Gavin? He could singlehandedly appoint everyone the new Alpha. So, Ethan made his choice. Her, not me. “Get me a whiskey and a martini for the lady,” A deep voice sounded from nearby. “Is it the future bride, or the future groom that’s got you in a mood?” “I’m just not into parties,” I decided to say. “Nor am I,” he murmured. “I’m here out of obligation.” The bartender placed my drink in front of me and I immediately took a sip, sighing in contentment. I waited for it to do its job and finish numbing the pain. Every time Ethan kissed her it destroyed me a little more. How had my life taken such a devastating turn? How could my fated mate do this to me? Did our 2 years together truly mean nothing? Did the mark on my neck mean that little to him? “Thank you for the drink,” I told the man. I took one last sip of my martini and started to get down from the stool, except my blouse snagged on the corner of the counter and just as I heard a tearing sound, I began to fall to the ground. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the impact, but it never came. Instead, I felt strong arms wrapping around my body, lifting me into the air. I opened my eyes and peeked up at the man who caught me, and my breath hitched. He was so handsome. He held me with ease as if I weighed nothing and I could tell from the feeling of his arms around me that he was muscular. He smiled down at me and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. I wanted to lick that dimple. “Madam, are you falling for me?” He asked teasingly. I stared at him for a heartbeat longer before I squinted my eyes at him, seeing what he did there. “You’re a funny one, aren’t you?” He grinned. Then he looked at my shirt and immediately frowned. “Let me take you to my suite upstairs,” he said, making my heart skip a beat. “What?” I said in barely a whisper. His eyes met mine and I got lost in their beauty for a moment. Goddess, his good looks were sinful. “Your shirt is ripped. I have one you can wear upstairs in my VIP suite,” he explained. I blinked a couple of times and gave a nervous chuckle. “Oh, alright. Thank you,” I managed to sputter. He turned to the bartender. “Charge our drinks to my suite,” he ordered. “Yes, sir.” I allowed the man to carry me out of the room. His arms were so warm that I found myself resting my head against his broad chest, breathing in his minty scent. My wolf was practically purring in my mind. She’d been quiet for most of the evening while she licked the wounds the broken mate bond had caused. But right now, it was as if she had forgotten she was heartbroken. “Take off your shirt,” he instructed once we were in the suite. He had released me and was walking to the closet. “Excuse me?” I squeaked. “So, you can put on a new shirt,” he explained. “Right,” I breathed. I lifted my ripped shirt over my head and threw it onto the bed, leaving me in only my innerwear from the waist up. Once he found a shirt, he turned around to face me, and his entire body froze as his eyes trailed down my body. I was too busy checking him out to notice him staring at me but the longer I stared at him, the more I started to recognize him. Then, realization struck me, and I gasped. “It’s you…” I breathed, taking a step back. His eyes shifted upward and met mine; his brow arched. “You know me?” He asked. “I know of you,” I clarified. The corner of his lips tipped upward as he walked towards me, slowly, as if he were stalking his prey. I could practically hear the sounds of my heartbeat. “And what do you know of me?” “Only what I’ve heard…” I admitted. “And what have you heard?” “You’re Gavin Landry, Lycan Chairman. You’re a heartbreaker. You have a new woman each week and you never sleep with the same woman twice.” He raised his brows. “Is that so?” He asked. “Tell me more about myself.” Heck, he's the father of the bride and Ethan's future father-in-law? I'm confused, I don't know what I should do. But I'm not surprised I didn't recognize him at first. The Lycan family isn't high profile, they're more used to staying behind the scenes than becoming politicians and celebrities like werewolf Alpha. Should I tell him who I am? But that would be foolish at this moment. He continued to walk towards me, and I continued to walk backward until my back hit the wall. “What more do you want to know?” I asked, my voice coming out breathy. “Everything.” I’m not sure if it was the martini speaking or me, but I decided to be bold. If Ethan can indulge himself in someone new, then so could I. I lifted my gaze to meet his as he neared closer. “Your eyes…” I started to say. “I’ve heard that they were mesmerizing, and I must agree.” “What else?” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “When you smile, you have this adorable dimple on your cheek…” I whispered. He was only inches from me now, staring so intently at me that I thought I would burn up under his scrutiny. He licked his lips, drawing my attention to his mouth. “And your lips…” Before I could finish that sentence, his mouth crashed into mine. His kiss was anything but soft and sweet but filled with hunger and possession. I kissed him with just as much eagerness. His tongue made its way to mine, tasting every inch of me. He lifted me into the air, my body pinned between the wall and him. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and allowed him to deepen the kiss. His tongue trailed down the nape of my neck and warmth spread across my body as I felt him nibbling my soft flesh. All self-control and common sense left my mind the moment we kissed. All I could think about was Gavin; he consumed my mind, body, and soul entirely. I pulled at his tie, wanting to take it and his shirt off. He helped me undo his tie and then lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it to the ground. I let my fingers explore his body; they roamed over his torso and up his broad shoulders. I moaned into his mouth as his tongue found mine again. “Are you sure you want this?” He asked between kisses. “Yes,” I rasped out. “We are both willing adults, so why not?” We kissed again and just as he was about to take off my innerwear, I received a tearful mindlink from my adoptive mother. “Judy! Please, come home!” She sounded panicked; my mother never panicked. Hearing her voice was like cold water being dumped on my head and I gasped. I let my legs fall from around him and I pressed against his chest. “Stop,” I said breathlessly. “I have to go.” He frowned. “I don’t have much patience; stop joking,” he says, a hint of anger in his tone. “I’m so sorry. But I’m sure you have plenty of other options,” I said and started to run towards the door, but he grabbed my arm, stopping me. I whirl around to face him, my own anger rushing to the surface but before I can say anything, he points to the bed. “Your shirt is ripped, remember?” I looked down at my innerwear with a frown. “Oh…” He sighed, grabbing his shirt and putting it over my head. I inhaled deeply and warmth spread throughout my body; it smelled like him. …… The moment I stepped into the house; I could hear my mother sobbing. “Judy?” My mother sobbed; I could hear that she was in the kitchen and my heart stuttered at the sound of her broken voice. “Your father was taken away by the Gammas tonight.” Chapter 2 Judy’s POV My heart fell into my stomach. “What?!” I gasped. We lived in a decent-sized house; my adoptive father, being a successful businessman and a Delta of the Redmoon pack, had a lot of money. “He was arrested,” she explained. “He made a bad investment for the company, and he ended up losing all the money. He went completely bankrupt and now he owes the pack so much money. Until he pays it, they put him in jail.” “They can’t just come and take him away like this,” I said, standing to my feet, hardly able to contain my emotions. “Without any warning? That’s not fair!” “They can do whatever they want. The Beta is under the jurisdiction of the Lycans, and it was his decision. Loan sharks are ruthless, and nobody wishes to deal with them. It’s easier to just get rid of the problem and right now… your father is the problem.” Before I could say anything more, my phone started to ring. I reached into my bag and pulled it out. I frowned when I saw the name flash across the screen. “I heard about your father,” Ethan’s voice was soft as he spoke, and my traitorous heart skipped a beat. I hated how my body responded to him still; it was because of this foolish mate bond. Even though he rejected me, and I accepted it, that didn’t mean it severed our bond. It won’t be severed until he marks someone else.“I might have a suggestion though. But I’d like to tell you in person. Come outside.” I quickly left the kitchen and walked out of the house. Ethan was leaning against his car with his arms folded across his chest. Goddess, I hated how good he looked. I had been in love with him for longer than 2 years. He was my friend, my confidant, my fated mate. When he rejected me, it destroyed everything I had dreamt of. I wrapped my arms around my body, desperately trying to hold myself together. “Why are you here?” I asked him after a long and awkward silence. “I wanted to talk to you,” he replied. “Why?” The corner of his lips tipped upwards as he stared at me; I nearly melted under his scrutiny, and I had to shift my gaze to look at the ground. “Because I can help you,” he answered. “Your father’s funding chain is broken, and he now owes a lot of money. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have that kind of money, especially now that his business has gone under. But I do.” I lifted my gaze to meet him; he was serious. “Are you saying you’d pay my father’s debt?” I asked him. He nodded. “Yes,” he answered. “And what would we have to do in return?” I asked, almost afraid to ask. He smirked, which gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. “There is a condition,” he confessed. I waited silently for him to continue, my eyes never leaving his. “After I get married, I want you to drop out of school and become my mistress.” I couldn’t have heard him correctly; I stared at him with my jaw practically on the ground. “Excuse me?” I managed to sputter. “You want me to what??” “Drop out of school and become my mistress. I already have a luxurious home for you to live in. You would never have to want for anything. I’ll pay off your father’s debt and give you more money than you could dream of.” “How… how could you ask me to do such a thing?” I asked in a choked whisper; tears threatened to spill from my eyes, but I kept them away, not wanting him to see my break. He stepped closer to me, and I felt rooted to the ground, unable to move away. My wolf was whimpering about his request; she couldn’t believe our mate could ask such a thing from us. She was gutted and I hated that she was put in this position. “Because we’ve always been so good together, Judy,” he said, reaching out and touching my arm gently. “We will always have this strong connection, even if I mark someone else. You and your family would be set for life… all you have to do is say yes…” He was rubbing his fingers up and down my arms and I felt sick to my stomach. I finally found the strength to step away from him, my body trembling. “No,” I said, meeting his eyes. “I would never become your mistress.” His eyes darkened. “I’m about to become the Alpha, Judy. You must get with the times. Becoming my mistress would only benefit you and plus, don’t you want your father out of jail?” “I will find another way,” I said through my teeth. “If that’s all you came here to say, then I’ve heard enough. You can leave.” He raised his brows as he stared at me. He studied me for a moment longer like he expected me to change his mind at any moment. “You’ll change your mind,” he told me as he stepped away from me and towards his car. “And when you do, I’ll be here. But until then, your father will remain in prison.” “I’ll figure it out,” I said to his retreating back. “We don’t need you, Ethan!” He chuckled as he opened his car door and then he turned back to gaze into my eyes. “In order to get him out of prison, you’ll need at least 5 million dollars. When you realize that there’s no other option, you’ll come to your senses. I’m sure of it.” Without another word, he got into his car. I watched as he drove away, disappearing into the night. It was only when he disappeared that I allowed myself to fall to the ground. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them. 5 million dollars? How was I going to come up with that kind of money? —————— I had two classes this morning and one later in the afternoon. My first class was warrior training, and my second class was shifting, both of which I excelled at. I was going to college for Gamma training so that once I graduated, I could prove myself to the Gamma force and become a warrior. Then I would easily be able to pay off my father’s debt and save my family. “You look terrible,” my best friend, Nan, pointed out as I sat beside her against the large Oaktree; the very tree we always met up at. “It was a rough night,” I admitted as I took out my textbook to study. “Where did you go last night? When I returned, you were gone. Did you leave early because of the engagement party?” I bit my lower lip as I thought about what to say to her. “I ripped my shirt, and someone brought me into his room to change,” I said, feeling my cheeks growing warm at the memory. She raised her brows, and I could barely look at her. “You went to someone’s room?” She asked. “Whose?” I was quiet for a moment, and she grabbed my arm, getting my attention. “Judy, who did you leave with?” She asked, now her voice was filled with alarm. I knew there was no getting out of this conversation. I bit my lip and peeked up at her through my lashes. “Gavin Landry,” I squeaked. Chapter 3 Judy’s POV “Shut up!” She gasped. “Are you serious?? You went to Gavin Landry’s VIP suite? As in THE Gavin Landry?!” I nearly tackled her; she was being so loud! “Keep your voice down!” I scolded, attempting to cover her mouth with my hands but she was too quick and dodged me. “How can I possibly keep it down when my best friend went to Gavin Landry’s hotel room last night and waited until now to tell me!” She exclaimed. Nan was a waitress at the hotel restaurant the engagement party was at last night. The hotel, called Carter Resorts, was in the human territory, and it was owned by Patrick Carter, the Delta of the Silver Crescent pack. Which happened to be Gavin Landry’s pack. I wasn’t surprised to see Gavin there last night, especially considering his daughter was the bride-to-be. I was less surprised to see that he had a VIP suite at the hotel. I sighed. “It all happened so fast, and I had a bit too much to drink,” I admitted. “I forgot when I got home because other stuff happened.” I wrapped my arms around my body and looked up at her concerned eyes. “What else happened?” She asked, her voice dropping to a whisper. I took a deep breath, and I told Nan everything that happened, right up until Ethan came over and asked me to be his mistress in exchange for him paying off my father’s debt. By the time I finished talking, Nan’s jaw had dropped. “The nerve of that scum!” She hissed. “How dare he! He rejected you and now he wants you to be his bit on the side?! He has zero shame.” “I’m not sure what I’m going to do, Nan,” I whispered. “There’s no way I could come up with 5 million dollars to pay off my father’s debt.” We both fell silent as our thoughts consumed us and then her face lit up. I knew that look well and it grew nervous as a smile spread across her face. I knew right away that she had an idea, and I also knew that I wasn’t going to like it. “You said that he gave you his shirt to wear?” She asked. I nodded. She gasped and grabbed my arm. “Isn’t it obvious, Judy? Gavin is into you. That’s the only reason he’d give you his shirt. He wanted his scent on you! He's very picky. In all my time as a waitress, you're the first woman he's ever offered.” I gawked at her. She had officially lost her mind. “Gavin’s not into me,” I said, shaking my head. “He gave me his shirt because mine ripped. There was nothing to it.” “Why would he even care?” Nan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “He’s Gavin Landry and doesn’t need to care about any of this. Besides, you mentioned that he kissed you heatedly. You were ready to go all the way with him, which is huge because you were planning on waiting until after you were married. There had to be some kind of connection last night.” I glanced at my hands. “Or maybe I was just hurting and wanted to get back at Ethan,” I murmured. “Plus, I had a little too much to drink.” “Drunk actions are sober thoughts or something like that,” she said, waving away my words. Then, she smirked. “You could use this to your advantage. Do you still have that lingerie you bought for your wedding night? You should pay Gavin a little visit and make him an offer he can’t refuse.” ___ I knew it was a bad idea the moment she spoke the words, but her words continued to replay in my mind for the remainder of the day and night. When I woke up the next morning, my mind was made up. I went to my closet and grabbed my red lingerie. I had only tried it on once and I felt a little self-conscious wearing it, but I knew the night of my wedding when I finally gave myself over to Ethan fully, it wouldn’t matter what I was wearing. My heart ached at the thought, and I quickly brushed it out of my head before I started to cry again. I dressed in the lingerie, and I grabbed a long trench coat, wrapping it around my body. I left my hair down and I put on a little makeup to make my features pop. For the last day or so, my mother had either been speaking on the phone to lawyers, visiting my father in prison, or in her room. I had barely seen or spoken to her since I told her Ethan wasn’t going to help us. I hated knowing I disappointed her, but hopefully, this would fix all our problems. It was no secret where Gavin’s office was; everybody knew the famous Gavin Landry Corporation. When I walked through the front door, the receptionist was typing on her computer. She barely spared me a look as I approached the desk. “Good morning, I’m here to see Gavin Landry,” I said as politely as I could. The receptionist looked upward at me and blinked a couple of times, looking less than amused. “Do you have an appointment?” “Uh, no, but—” “Look, I don’t have time for this. Countless women come in here and request to speak with Gavin and I’m going to tell you what I tell them. Mr. Landry is incredibly busy, and he doesn’t have time or patience to be dealing with another fan girl,” she said bitterly. “And what gives you the right to turn away those who come to see me?” A deep voice boomed.		Werewolf Novel		777	https://www.facebook.com/61560470905590/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731791	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:48 PM	1740993491	1747021736		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481513661_697624222591329_2425785430423088467_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DwHfM7iCK5YQ7kNvgHeGZVT&_nc_oc=AdiHVWkvamoEcpJiGIGqmuoZBtciLupJVEwQi7PyQS_ZRNHn2UUe3HMoxxdLoHH2yNf0IUkKun-oTO8iJP99kufG&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AdA_ZGHGlraAWdSMXfJegke&oh=00_AYDR71XH4iDbyL_B9gIBMqpxpqnsKQwawb4Uj-O3je5tAQ&oe=67CB36C5	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731793	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/11/25, 10:55 PM	1740993491	1747022154		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481774382_1756778035053398_5806838439826459902_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7wPFuZBDvOUQ7kNvgGRPqZ9&_nc_oc=Adin8lxBHzEIbLIR_3pbcKRAgTlLqeikzHVfzkTA5eYIZwJCfDIlRDhKRJ1cqmn5hlBXG6_0MO6LqXrhRiiDTtWr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYD_-WlKWId_1uWNb60ZtWJPA6hQkd7N0CUm2AMhbETCQA&oe=67CB39E9	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732268	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 1:40 AM	1740993501	1747032005		2747																										sites.sdrh2o.com	Watch more			VIDEO	👀 Watch more exciting content now !👉👉		https://sites.sdrh2o.com/fb02.html?shorttv_adid=45069&language=en&timestamp=1736251161852&utm_source=facebook&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			3.8677001784226E+14	AABBQ	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481266738_638692712145533_2511635873139853142_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=5-KbEhJAy9kQ7kNvgFlDahR&_nc_oc=AdjBVHgArsctZuBQJC8b7xS-kW4u-5m8G711QVeBdGDt5v1-BvWdKREXgqmzV-eguOtzRNIGzEurOsVZoG-_kQkr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_ALlnTahVzO2eRp0Rm9VLz&oh=00_AYCDf7y9EqO_RxKIS1Qzcu044F3q7zfbHpG-OuNXJN3VVw&oe=67CB3A56	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		🥰Hot! So Hot!🥰🔥 🎬This is the exclusive content of "SHORTMAX", exciting video, please follow us!🥰 💥💥Sia returns with her son five years after divorcing Alpha Reagononly to find that--Reagon never divorced her and he hates her!Reagon makes Sia work as a stripper, believing that she betrayeed him five years ago. Reagon may be able to force himself to punish her, he cannot force himself to stop loving her. If only Reagon knew that Sia loves him, and that her son is actually his...💥🎬 🥰If you want to watch more, please download our app to continue watching!🎬🔥		AABBQ		296	https://www.facebook.com/61561770861279/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731891	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	5/12/25, 3:30 AM	1740993493	1747038601		2747																										checkout.norelie.co	Learn More			DCO	What if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without pills?	{{product.description}}	https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb			1.0626265433232E+14	Norelie	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482064988_545617537910851_4905172865009877531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uc_ctE9KMmUQ7kNvgF3jJU_&_nc_oc=AdiXyTvhuXEbApQmhKyhLRm-_A5iX2tVWB7U6Jc1_Qq6X0GQP5yqEOd2c0d3KR9xGsBhRo34RFcxm_yTfPQYKwQR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=AMvivkLdXuTY7CpfTIHPqkS&oh=00_AYABe9RL084cvXzWQtz13tsvgSsLd5md9EyjinFXwa-ZbA&oe=67CB4A46	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		If you’re struggling with burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet, you’ve probably tried everything. But what if there was a way to relieve neuropathy without taking pills? Dr. Jeff Norman, a leading neuropathy specialist, reveals a breakthrough treatment that’s changing lives—the NeuroRevive™ Cold Laser Therapy Wand. This FDA-approved device uses advanced cold laser technology to improve circulation and heal nerves from the inside out—without medications or side effects. ✅ Drug-free solution ✅ Clinically tested and doctor-approved ✅ 90-day risk-free guarantee 👉 https://checkout.norelie.co/sp2-fb		Norelie		4407	https://www.facebook.com/100071550435649/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731795	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/26/25, 7:34 AM	1740993491	1750941281		2747																										play.google.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Knowing her daughter was bullied, the Wolf Queen seeks her revenge...		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newleaf.app.android.victor			2.6579779994238E+14	Popular Drama	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481253239_605666089110419_1509220647771417138_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t1UoniHMgt0Q7kNvgFHSY_f&_nc_oc=AdiRQfO0k-dMMYthIQyPXEk27eFerI8fp7vBYj3Xt1F4CRnp3eeikuPsZVSy9_WA0VUWW13ZK6HETAP2LHr2ueKr&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AmPhwEZe9QG3vs6yhCfQJz9&oh=00_AYDb8XeAISfunOOYGC3ewuAwhPQIoKpuTk1rCuv-V9hZfg&oe=67CB3B63	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Jessica, the Wolf Queen, grew tired of war and bloodshed, so she disguised herself as a plain healer in the woods. To ensure a normal, happy life for her daughter, she sent her to the Russo pack. Little did she know, she had sent her daughter into a living nightmare. Her daughter was treated like a slave—humiliated, abused, beaten, and nearly raped, simply because she had no fame or power. Realizing her mistake, Jessica resolved to save her daughter and make those who mistreated her pay. Meanwhile, she discovered that the Russo pack had betrayed their country and collaborated with Lord Kilian Darkmoom. Finally, Jessica defeated them and restored peace to the wolf world once more.		Popular Drama		1227	https://www.facebook.com/61556720948696/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2732019	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/4/25, 7:17 PM	1740993496	1749082672		2747																										fbweb.moboreels.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Massive hit TV series		https://fbweb.moboreels.com/13155322-fb-en-x493-250109-core1-video.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=081711&jump=1&exdata=A9ABAAE0D355472A7A79CE80FE9027756EFDF5067B631099			1.0394825906936E+14	Enjoy Read Now	https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481200951_1690725195162417_6078664450100072668_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LUycU10PassQ7kNvgERVr-g&_nc_oc=AdiS4sqInYVjH8Dy9PV9s_e1UrFtZAK4bHbYNrTyl7LFzU4UxCAJR8ywdMRS2R7d-QPi4VtKuMAwcrCTzO28uPoJ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq7tEc2RDk5HvzWEZKWmWxn&oh=00_AYDcoLqzZRXTF1Pj2kH9e5qhO6SYkXEfDEXhYAOKKMe8FA&oe=67CB2E84	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Dayna fell prey to the schemes of Nate, Adelina, and others. Reborn half a year prior, she prevented the assault that had befallen her. Grateful to Jonny for her rescue, she cautioned him against retracing his steps and assisted in diverting him from the deadly fate he had met in a flood disaster. By claiming she was preoccupied with account verification at the manor the night before, she returned home without incident, sparing her grandmother the shock that would have led to her demise		Enjoy Read Now		23998	https://www.facebook.com/100083816409996/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete
2731821	1	active	3/3/25, 3:18 AM	6/5/25, 2:06 AM	1740993492	1749107193		2747																										fb.dramabox.com	Watch more			VIDEO	Rising Dawn: The Awakening of Power (DUBBED)		https://fb.dramabox.com/db_land_page/DLLPF1059457.html?language=en&timestamp=1740749855253&channelCode=DLLPF1059457&bid=41000112468&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}			1.3880149930726E+14	DramaBox- drama movies2	https://scontent-lga3-3.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481088812_640435978936876_5492175300553424578_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JPp_7KFU2D4Q7kNvgG7tbt1&_nc_oc=AdjOTJxJf_oEgm746FilfbCmau13CF7ef1Ro2npuqw5oGr0lFWy1SMvh6pEI_8VM6eZ3jGg_-7Is6KBl5H3P7Fl2&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-3.xx&_nc_gid=A_QB7KrA5ToOkCuMbPld3sv&oh=00_AYBs42JketEEFBg-d5r9Kkun8PdVcMuzO_hDoGj9DQNkuw&oe=67CB4848	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Aidan Stein, the Eternal Lord Sovereign of the magnificent Eternity Palace, temporarily loses his memory and intelligence due to his 60-year cycle. He lives alone in Vertania until he encounters Jade Yule, who saves his life and becomes his wife. Years later, Jack Foley, an aristocrat of Vertania, develops an interest in Jade. He sends his men after Aidan, inadvertently triggering the resurgence of his memories and power.		DramaBox- drama movies2		282188	https://www.facebook.com/61551046958457/	0		WATCH_MORE								View Edit Delete